Verisk Analytics subsidiary Cargo Net has reported that 566 cargo theft incidents occurred in the U.S. in 2022, a 57 percent year-over-year increase. The value of goods stolen exceeded $44 million in the second quarter of 2023 and shipments varied in value from $100,00 to $260,000.
The states of California, Texas, Florida and Illinois were most affected.
CHICK-NEWS has previously reported on misappropriation and theft of loaded trailers directly from Midwest pork and beef plants. Recently a ring was arrested in Florida responsible for a number of cases.
Theft of over 20 tons of meat products suggests organization to distribute a large quantity of perishable products through retail outlets and ultimately to consumers. Disposing of poultry and meat is infinitely more complicated than clothing and electronics that find their way to warehouses for subsequent sale on legitimate online businesses.