Key to Facing National Land Transport Theft: Criminals' Modus Operandi in Mexico

Facing the Challenge of National Land Transport Theft in Mexico Challenges and Strategies in National Land Transport: Addressing the Increase in Theft in Mexico The logistics scenario in Mexico is affected by a constant challenge: the increase in national land transport theft. During the first half of 2023, the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP) revealed a worrying 11.5% increase in cargo transport theft compared to the previous year. Although it is recognized that these figures may be outdated due to a new methodology for registering and classifying crimes, the emergency on Mexican highways is undeniable. Current Panorama and Criminal Gangs' Modus Operandi This increase in cargo transport theft not only represents a threat to logistics and land freight companies but also directly impacts the safety and efficiency of the supply chain in Mexico. Sergio González, general director of ALTO México, highlights the urgent need to understand and address criminals' modus operandi, 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 cargo 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 units, in addition to implementing protocols in case of risk. Among the identified modus operandi are accident simulation, false checkpoints, and vehicle pursuits, the latter being able to become especially violent. Areas of Greatest Risk and Prevention Strategies Criminals' logistics work focuses on the vicinity of distribution centers (cedis), where more than 50% of vehicles leaving these places become theft victims. 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 involves staying one step ahead of criminals. Strategies such as schedule rotations, seeking redundancy in security and detection systems, and precise detection of deviations are essential. ALTO has an intelligence area that is based on information capture and analysis 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 transport. The implementation of telematic solutions and real-time monitoring technologies becomes an essential component to strengthen supply chain security. Improving Theft Prevention in Land Cargo Transport Facing the increase in land cargo transport theft in Mexico requires not only understanding current challenges but also implementing advanced technologies. Land transport companies face deficiencies in Fleet Management that increase theft risk, and this is where technology can make a difference. Fleet Management Challenges and Technological Solutions 1. Route Deviations: – Planning Safer Routes is fundamental, and real-time monitoring technology can alert about deviations, allowing timely action. 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: – Detecting unauthorized door opening is essential, and alert technology for suspicious activities related to doors can prevent theft losses. 4. Excessive Fuel Consumption: – Fuel monitoring technology can alert about possible risks to operation profitability, improving efficiency in this resource's use. The adoption of monitoring and telemetry technologies allows preventing, detecting, and responding proactively to risk situations, thus strengthening land cargo transport companies in Mexico. By using these tools, companies can improve theft prevention, guaranteeing safer and more efficient logistics operations without compromising cargo integrity and driver safety. Conclusions and Future Perspectives In summary, the fight against national land transport theft in Mexico demands a proactive and collaborative response. The implementation of telematic solutions, along with preventive and corrective strategies, presents itself 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 toward 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 transport.