Heavy Equipment Theft Rises 46% in Two Years

Heavy equipment theft has increased by 46% since 2021, leading to a rise in reported cases. Tractor-trailers and semi-trailers are the most impacted segments, reports the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS).

According to AMIS over 17,409 insured vehicles were stolen in Mexico between 2021 and 2023, averaging 25 units per day. In 2023, buses saw the highest growth in stolen heavy vehicles, with a 124.4% increase compared to 2022. However, tractor-trailers and semi-trailers remain the most affected segments in terms of the number of units stolen, with increases of 20% and 14.9%, respectively. These two segments represent 85% of total heavy vehicle theft, with 7,841 units stolen in 2023. AMIS noted that pickup trucks saw a 5.2% increase in theft compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 11,482 units, a number not seen since 2021.

The State of Mexico leads in the number of insured heavy equipment units stolen, with 1,833 units, followed by Puebla with 1,531 units, Veracruz with 722 units, Guanajuato with 696 units, and Jalisco with 611 units, among others. These five entities account for nearly 60% of the total national thefts.

More than half of the thefts occur with violence. Nationally, 71% of heavy vehicles are stolen with violence. However, higher rates are recorded in certain states, such as 81% in Chiapas, 79% in Sinaloa, 77% in Tlaxcala, 76% in Morelos, and 75% in Puebla, Sonora, Yucatan, and Veracruz.

The brands preferred by perpetrators are Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Dolly, and Mercedes Benz, among others. As of 2023, 56% of stolen heavy vehicles were recovered, AMIS noted. "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, sharing detailed and timely information available to the sector,” said Norma Rosas, CEO, AMIS.

AMIS noted the insured goods with the highest number of theft claims are groceries, excluding wines and alcohols, which have seen increases of nearly 20% in recent reports. This is followed by new machinery and spare parts, electronic equipment, and accessories, as well as cereals, and seeds in sacks or bulk.

Among the insured goods with the highest annual increases in theft are office supplies with a 57% increase, automotive spare parts with a variation of 31%, and fertilizers in sacks or bulk with 21%. "Owners of insured goods in transit who have theft coverage are protected in the event of this crime. However, the theft of goods impacts transporters, companies awaiting inputs or products, and ultimately, the economy of communities," Rosas added.