Cargo Theft Crisis: Cases in Mexico Surge by 3.9% in 2023

Cargo theft in the transportation sector has been one of Mexico’s biggest challenges in recent years and it surged in 2023 compared to the previous year, reports the Executive Ministry of the National Public Security System (SESNSP). 

In 2023, cargo theft cases grew by 3.9% compared to 2022, making it the highest number of cases since 2020. The Common Jurisdiction Crime Incidence Index, provided monthly by SESNSP, also reports an annual increase of 2.82% in violent robberies and that 85.6% of robberies involve violence.

The five states reporting the most robberies are the State of Mexico, Puebla, Michoacan, San Luis Potosi, and Jalisco. The month with the highest number of reported robberies was March, with 868 nationwide, while in 2022 it was December. The report also shows that 74% of the national robberies are concentrated in the State of Mexico and Puebla.

However, data from the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (CANACAR) diverges from the official figures provided by SESNSP. During a press conference, Miguel Martínez, President, CANACAR, revealed that about 13,000 incidents of truck theft were reported on highways in various manners throughout 2023. This marks a 5% rise compared to 2022.

Security company Blac explains in its annual report that the states with the most robberies include the State of Mexico with 32%, Puebla with 26%, and Queretaro with 6%. These states are followed by Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guanajuato. Blac reports that the most common days for robberies are Fridays with 24%, Tuesdays with 20%, Thursday with 17%, Mondays with 15%, and Wednesdays with 14%. Most robberies occur in the morning, representing 52% of cases, with 8% occurring between 5:00-8:00 am.

Groceries were the most stolen merchandise, representing 37% of the total. They were followed by general merchandise (22%), empty trucks (12%), construction materials (8%), alcohol, refrigerated perishables, and cleaning products (5%).

"We see this with great concern. The theft of transportation has increased, but what is more serious is that now, the theft of transportation is extremely violent. Situations occur where the custodians and transport operators are killed, making it even more serious," Gerardo Macías, President of the Security and Justice Commission, COPARMEX Mexico City, tells MVS Noticias. 

Macías adds that this crime also impacts the final cost of products due to the measures implemented by companies to reinforce security.

In a recent press conference, José Abugaber, President and Director General, CONCAMIN, said that cargo transportation theft costs US$406.9 million annually, which involves the costs of stolen goods, equipment damage, and additional expenses to ensure security.

As previously reported by MBN, the transportation sector moves 548.1 million tons of cargo annually, equivalent to 56.8% of total domestic cargo. Additionally, 83.3% of the value of Mexico's imports and exports with the United States is moved by freight transportation.