Cargo Theft Decreases in 2024, But Risks Remain

Despite a reported decline in cargo theft in 2024, discrepancies remain between government statistics and private sector data, highlighting ongoing security challenges in Mexico’s freight transport industry. While official figures indicate a 13% reduction in overall theft incidents, private security firms and industry associations report that cases are increasing in key areas.

The cargo transport sector plays a crucial role in Mexico’s economy. According to a report by Mexico’s National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (CANACAR), it contributed 3.8% of the national GDP in 2023. With 565 million tons of products and goods transported, it represents 81% of the country’s land cargo and 57% of total domestic cargo. However, alongside its economic significance, cargo transport faces major security challenges, particularly theft, which impacts operations and investment in the sector.

According to the Executive Ministry of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), cargo theft in Mexico decreased by 13% from 2023 to 2024. However, San Luis Potosi recorded a significant increase of 20.38%, while the states of Mexico, Puebla, Michoacan, and Jalisco remain the most affected. Alarmingly, 83.8% of reported thefts involved violence.

On the other hand, the Mexican Association of Private Security and Satellite Industry Companies (AMESIS) highlights that cargo theft is most prevalent in the State of Mexico (32%), followed by Puebla (23%), Guanajuato (12%), Jalisco (9%), and San Luis Potosi (7%). Other states such as Queretaro, Veracruz, and Nuevo Leon account for smaller percentages, reports TyT.

Data from the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) reveals that between November 2023 and October 2024, Kenworth was among the most stolen brands, with 2,153 incidents. However, the recovery rate of insured stolen vehicles increased by 5%, while the total number of insured stolen vehicles grew by only 0.37%.

Most Stolen Goods and High-Risk Routes

According to AMESIS, groceries are the products most frequently stolen, comprising 23.3% of reported incidents. Other highly targeted goods include food (13.3%), steel (10%), fuel (10%), auto parts (10%), parcels (10%), and hardware (6.7%). Incidents peaked in January, July, and October, typically occurring between 5:30 and 9:00 AM.

The most dangerous highways for cargo transport include:

• Mexico-Queretaro (25%)

• Mexico-Puebla (20%)

• Mexico-Pachuca (13%)

• Circuito Exterior Mexiquense (9%)

Government and Industry Response to Security Concerns

The logistics sector in Mexico faces significant risks from organized crime, cargo theft, and corruption, which could deter foreign investment and complicate transportation networks. Paola Núñez, Supply Chain Director, says that security remains a key challenge amid shifts in US political dynamics. To address these concerns, the government is enhancing security along key industrial corridors by deploying advanced surveillance technology, increasing law enforcement presence, and fostering collaboration with private sector stakeholders.

To combat cargo theft, the National Guard launched the Balam strategy in July 2024, which focuses on finding and recovering stolen heavy-duty trucks. This initiative performs aerial surveillance using tactical drones, enabling real-time identification of stolen vehicles, even in remote areas.

A critical component of the strategy is the mandatory placement of license plates on the top of trucks to facilitate aerial identification. This innovation allows authorities to locate stolen vehicles within minutes, a crucial measure since criminal groups typically remove cargo swiftly. Isaac Muñoz, Director of Security in Highways and Installations, National Guard, says that the strategy aims to increase arrests and dismantle criminal networks. “We have helicopters, drones, and the determination to make this work,” says Muñoz.

The Balam strategy has shown promising initial results, with an 8.4% reduction in cargo theft reported in October 2024. The initiative has deployed over 1,200 personnel, 465 patrol cars, 37 drones, and various aircraft, including helicopters, to improve surveillance on Mexico’s highways, as MBN previously reported.