A comprehensive Study of Trends and Patterns of Cargo Theft and Implications on Seaport Security

Abstract

Cargo theft continues to pose a persistent and costly threat to global trade, with billions of dollars lost each year across seaports, inland terminals, and transport corridors. This paper offers a comprehensive literature-based analysis of cargo theft, examining global theft trends, regional prevalence comparative patterns and variation between 2020 and 2024. Drawing on secondary data from academic studies, institutional reports, and maritime security organizations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI), TT Club, and the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), the study identifies key hotspot nations including Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, India, and the United States. The findings indicate global spike in Cargo theft in 2022 attributed to trade normalization in post-COVID inflation with high-value, easily transportable goods frequently targeted. The study also revealed gaps in reporting and data collection. The paper utilizes Rational Choice Theory and Defensible Space Theory to explore the underlying motivations for cargo theft and the influence of environmental design on crime deterrence. It also highlights significant gaps in security infrastructure, policing capacity, and inter-agency collaboration, particularly in developing regions. In response, the study advocates for a multi-layered security strategy that integrates surveillance technologies, international collaboration, and harmonized policy frameworks. This review contributes to the criminological discourse on supply chain security and offers practical guidance for policymakers, port authorities, and security professionals.