Thieves stole nearly $9M in goods over past five Labor Day weekends

Nearly $9 million worth of goods have been stolen in 179 cargo theft incidents across the U.S. during the Labor Day holiday from 2019 to 2023, between the Thursday before Labor Day and the Wednesday after.

With an average loss of more than $162,000 per incident, the record number of thefts was reported in 2022, according to CargoNet, a Verisk business.

The data shows that theft incidents peak on the Friday before the holiday, as loaded conveyances are often left unattended, making them prime targets for thieves. The risk is further heightened because many thefts go undetected until businesses reopen after the holiday.

While California, Texas, and Florida are identified as the states with the highest levels of criminal activity, counties like San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Cook stand out as the most frequently targeted areas.

Electronics, appliances targeted

High-value electronics such as televisions and displays, major appliances, computers and computer parts, and vehicle maintenance products like motor oils topped the list of most sought-after items. Warehouses, truck stops, and large retail parking lots, rather than truck yards, were found to be the most common sites for these thefts.

Even though cargo theft operations have become more complex and sophisticated, traditional cargo or conveyance thefts still outnumber complex fraud schemes, even in 2023. Nonetheless, CargoNet cautions the industry that cargo thieves are increasingly savvy and well aware that extended holiday closures work to their advantage. Logistics professionals are strongly urged to remain vigilant and implement enhanced security protocols during the Labor Day holiday week.

Noteworthy thefts from previous Labor Day holidays include:

• $1,088,983 in seafood stolen from Sioux City, Ind.
• $800,000 in footwear stolen from Memphis, Tenn.
• $713,000 in apparel and accessories stolen from Eastvale, Calif.
• $500,000 in air purification machines stolen from North Las Vegas, Nev.
• $439,484 in hair dryers stolen from Ontario, Calif.