Discrepancies in Data Fuel Cargo Theft Crisis

The surge in cargo theft in recent years has become a growing concern within Mexico's transportation sector, prompting authorities and stakeholders to take actions to address this problem. However, conflicting information and discrepancies in reported statistics are complicating these efforts.

Rising rates of cargo theft have prompted various strikes, such as those by the Mexican Alliance of Carrier Organizations (AMOTAC) and the Mexican Federation of Transportation and Freight Transport (FEMATRAC). The National Chamber of Freight Transport (CANACAR) also met with authorities on Feb. 2 to discuss strategies to address this problem, leading to an agreement to organize regional meetings in the ten states with the highest rates of criminal activity: State of Mexico, Puebla, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, Michoacan, Jalisco, Hidalgo, Queretaro, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz. 

However, data from the Common Jurisdiction Crime Incidence Index, provided by the Executive Ministry of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), says that Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Queretaro, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz are not in the list of highest robbery rates. The index also argues that cargo theft has decreased by 11.23% between January 2023 and January 2024, with 85% of the thefts involving violence. The State of Mexico, Michoacan, Jalisco, and San Luis Potosi reported a decrease in criminal activity, while Puebla and Morelos witnessed an increase of over 23%.

"The figures provided by the government are not consistent; there is considerable misinformation, and it is concerning that the team close to the presidency or government is misinforming,” AMOTAC's National Coordinator, Miguel Ángel Santiago tells MBN.

"While we are witnessing an overall decrease, we continue to experience daily incidents in different states. Just today, on Feb. 27, we received reports of three thefts: one in Michoacan, another in Puebla, and the third in the State of Mexico," Lauro Rincón Hernández, President, FEMATRAC, tells MBN.

Security company Blac's monthly theft report for January 2024 indicates a 29% increase in cargo theft cases compared to January 2023. Blac says that Puebla sees the highest rates of cargo theft with 33% of all cases, followed by Morelos (24%), State of Mexico (12%), Guanajuato (6%), and Tlaxcala (3%).

Among the most stolen goods are groceries (55%), empty equipment (18%), chemicals (9%), refrigerated perishables (6%), grains and seeds, electronics, personal care items, and general merchandise (3%). Robberies are more common on Tuesdays, representing 24% of all cases, and Thursdays, representing 22%, says Blac.

The Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) reports that over 17,409 insured vehicles were stolen in Mexico between 2021 and 2023, averaging 25 units per day, as previously reported by MBN. In 2023, the theft of buses grew the most, with a 124.4% increase compared to 2022. However, tractor-trailers and semi-trailers remain the most affected segments in total units stolen, with increases of 20% and 14.9%, respectively. These two segments represent 85% of total heavy vehicle theft, with 7,841 units in 2023. AMIS notes that theft of pickup trucks increased by 5.2% compared to the previous year, reaching 11,482 units.

The State of Mexico leads in the theft of insured heavy equipment units, with 1,833 units, followed by Puebla with 1,531 units, Veracruz with 722 units, Guanajuato with 696 units, and Jalisco with 611 units. These five states account for nearly 60% of the total national theft. More than half of the thefts occur with violence. Nationally, 71% of heavy vehicles are stolen with violence. 

The brands perpetrators prefer are Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Dolly, and Mercedes Benz. As of 2023, AMIS noted that 56% of stolen heavy vehicles were recovered. "Heavy equipment theft is closely related to the theft of goods in transit, which not only affects transporters but also the productive chain of multiple companies. Therefore, we maintain synergies with the authorities to contribute to various prevention and reaction strategies,” says AMIS.