Summer 2024 saw a record increase in cargo thefts in Europe, with 1,736 incidents recorded in July in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region, an increase of 17.7% compared to the previous record in February. Criminals took advantage of the summer holidays to step up their activities, particularly in France and the UK.
France recorded 222 incidents in July, up 16% from March 2024, ranking fourth behind the UK (620 incidents), Germany (359) and Italy (243). Financial losses for that month alone amount to more than €16 million, although only 5.1% of incidents were accurately estimated.
Preferred targets include fuel, thefts of which increased by 42.6% between June and July 2024, as well as metals, money transfers and construction materials. Experts from TAPA (Technology Asset Protection Association) note a growing professionalization of criminal networks, with several major thefts exceeding half a million euros.
Faced with this situation, TAPA calls on transport and logistics companies to strengthen their security measures, especially during holiday periods. Freight crime, initially stimulated by rising consumer prices, has become institutionalised and requires a coordinated response at European level.