Facing the Challenge of Theft from National Land Transportation in Mexico
Challenges and Strategies in National Land Transportation: Addressing the Increase in Theft in Mexico
The logistics scenario in Mexico is affected by a constant challenge: the increase in theft of national land transportation. During the first half of 2023, the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) revealed a worrying increase of 11.5% in the crime of cargo transportation theft compared to the previous year. Although it is recognized that these figures may be outdated due to a new methodology for recording and classifying crimes, the emergency on Mexican roads is undeniable.
Current Panorama and Modus Operandi of Criminal Gangs
This increase in cargo transportation theft not only represents a threat to logistics and land freight companies but also directly impacts the security and efficiency of the supply chain in Mexico. Sergio González, CEO of ALTO México, highlights the urgent need to understand and address the modus operandi of criminals, especially considering the increase in the sophistication of their tactics.
Criminal gangs have evolved into highly schematized organizations, taking advantage of advanced technologies. A clear example is the use of GPS signal inhibitors, known as jammers, to avoid detection of charging units. Despite the existence of the “Anti-jammer Law” since January 2020, its effective implementation remains a significant challenge.
ALTO México addresses this problem through the use of technology and constant monitoring of the units, in addition to the implementation of protocols in case of risk. Among the modus operandi identified are the simulation of accidents, false checkpoints and vehicle chases, the latter of which can become especially violent.
High Risk Areas and Prevention Strategies
The logistical work of criminals focuses on the vicinity of distribution centers (cedis), where more than 50% of the vehicles that leave these places become victims of theft. ALTO identifies key cities in Mexican logistics, including Tijuana, State of Mexico, Puebla, Jalisco, Querétaro, Nuevo León, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz and Tabasco, as especially vulnerable areas.
Combating this reality means being one step ahead of criminals. Strategies such as schedule rotations, seeking redundancy in security systems and accurate detection of deviations are essential. ALTO has an intelligence area that is based on the collection and analysis of information to act preventively or correctively against organized crime.
Technology as an Ally in Theft Prevention
In the current context, technology emerges as a crucial ally to improve theft prevention in land cargo transportation. The implementation of telematics solutions and real-time monitoring technologies becomes an essential component to strengthen security in the supply chain.
Improving Theft Prevention in Land Freight Transportation
Addressing the increase in land cargo transportation theft in Mexico requires not only understanding the current challenges but also implementing advanced technologies. Land transportation companies face deficiencies in Fleet Management that increase the risk of theft, and this is where technology can make a difference.
Challenges in Fleet Management and Technological Solutions
1. Route Detours:
– Planning Safer Routes is essential, and real-time monitoring technology can alert about deviations, allowing timely action to be taken.
2. Unauthorized Stops:
– Defining safe rest points is key, and monitoring technology can detect and notify unauthorized stops, protecting drivers and cargo.
3. Door opening:
– Detection of unauthorized door opening is essential, and suspicious door activity alert technology can prevent losses due to theft.
4. Excessive Fuel Expense:
– Fuel monitoring technology can alert about possible risks to the profitability of the operation, improving efficiency in the use of this resource.
The adoption of monitoring and telemetry technologies makes it possible to prevent, detect and respond proactively to risk situations, thus strengthening land cargo transportation companies in Mexico. By using these tools, companies can improve theft prevention, ensuring safer and more efficient logistics operations without compromising cargo integrity and driver safety.
Conclusions and Future Perspectives
In summary, the fight against theft of national land transportation in Mexico requires a proactive and collaborative response. The implementation of telematics solutions, together with preventive and corrective strategies, is presented as the necessary formula to guarantee safer, more efficient and resilient logistics operations in the future.
The Mexican logistics scenario, although challenging, is called to evolve towards greater resilience, where technology and collaboration between companies and authorities play a fundamental role in building a safer and more efficient logistics environment for land cargo transportation.
Anti-jammer Law: The manufacture, marketing, acquisition, as well as the installation, carrying, use and operation of equipment that blocks, cancels or nullifies cellular telephone, radio communication or data or image transmission signals is prohibited.