Cargo Theft and Market Volatility go hand in hand—especially during the holidays. As trade policies shift and seasonal demand spikes, certain goods become more attractive to thieves. These conditions disrupt supply chains, increase rerouting, and create prime opportunities for theft across industries.
According to Ilan Gluck, general manager at GearTrack, tariff changes and global policy shifts often disrupt shipping lanes. These changes can trigger stockpiling, rerouted shipments, and urgent delivery demands—all of which increase risk.
“This volatility has introduced vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited by bad actors,” Gluck said.
Danny Ramon, director of intelligence and response at Overhaul, added that theft often correlates with economic uncertainty. Criminal networks can pivot faster than most fleets, targeting loads before they reach their destination.
“Any product that suddenly becomes in demand, for any reason, becomes a target,” Ramon explained. “Thieves know they can move it quickly and profitably.”
How Market Trends Influence Theft Targets
The link between trending goods and theft is clear. When demand spikes, so does criminal interest. Some examples:
- Super Bowl avocado thefts
- Lumber and construction materials after natural disasters
- Solar panels in regions with green energy subsidies
- Toilet paper theft during the 2020 pandemic
“Idle inventory doesn’t make thieves money,” Ramon noted. “High-demand products are easy to liquidate, which makes them ideal for theft.”
Cargo Theft Prevention During Market Volatility Requires Proactive Planning
As companies store more inventory near distribution hubs, physical security becomes even more important. Gluck said that cross-border zones are especially at risk.
“Stockpiles near border zones have become prime targets,” he said.
Recent GearTrack data highlights the top states for cargo theft: California, Texas, and Illinois. Vehicle-related thefts are also rising, with Kentucky reporting a 200% increase. This could be tied to tariffs on imported vehicles and parts.
Stay Ahead of Cargo Theft with Strategic Security
Shifting markets and global uncertainty aren’t going away. That means fleets, warehouses, and carriers must invest in flexible, intelligent security systems.
Don’t wait for demand to spike—plan ahead. By understanding theft trends and risk triggers, logistics professionals can better protect cargo during peak seasons.
Looking to future-proof your operations? Explore our risk management tools and start building a smarter strategy today.
