Incident: Misdirection at Receiving Facilities  

Through communication with local law enforcement and private investigators in the area, Overhaul has learned of a tactic for targeted, high-value pilferage at receiving facilities.  

In this M.O., drivers parked outside of busy receiving facilities are approached by individuals wearing safety vests and carrying clipboards, who represent themselves as agents of the facility. These individuals instruct the driver to park in a designated location, typically just around a corner but out of view of the facility gates or CCTV cameras, and then escort the driver towards the facility office to check in. 

While the driver is checking in, accomplices of the individual posing as a facility employee will open the trailer and pilfer their targeted cargo into a cargo van.  

Suspects attempt to appear official, and may use any combination of safety vests, hard hats, clipboards, or company logo work shirts to project authority. A picture of one van used in this type of theft is pictured <below>, but other high cargo capacity vehicles, such as other models of vans or box trucks, may also be used.  

Overhaul recommends that shippers of high value consumer electronics or other targeted and high demand products make all drivers aware of any special procedures for checking in before they arrive. Additionally, receiving facilities should be vigilant for suspicious activity, including signs of surveillance or individuals posing as employees approaching drivers.  

With all theft methods, contextual intelligence, remote compliance monitoring, and real time visibility are critical to preventing cargo theft. An immediate escalation process with a path to effective law enforcement engagement is critical to recognizing and recovering cargo once it has been stolen.