Cargo Theft Investigations: Why Public-Private Intelligence Sharing Matters

ICTC Cargo Theft Intelligence Brief — Intelligence • Investigations • Prevention • Partnerships

By Commander Michael Ware | Illinois Cargo Theft Coalition

One Incident Rarely Tells the Whole Story

A suspicious pickup in one state, stolen merchandise recovered in another and a recurring telephone number identified by a private-sector investigator may look unrelated until the information is brought together.

Every Partner Sees a Different Part of the Network

Law enforcement may have arrest and investigative information. Carriers and brokers may have shipment and communication records. Retailers may identify merchandise. Railroads may identify corridor patterns. Technology providers may provide lawful location or event data. Intelligence becomes more useful when these pieces can be connected appropriately.

Speed Matters

Cargo can move rapidly across jurisdictions. Delayed information sharing can allow stolen freight to be cross-docked, redistributed or moved far from the original theft location. Established relationships and clear points of contact reduce the time lost figuring out who needs the information.

Information becomes far more powerful when it reaches the right people quickly.

From Recovery to Disruption

The objective should extend beyond recovering one shipment. Strong intelligence practices can help identify recurring actors, methods, locations and relationships that support longer-term investigations into organized criminal enterprises.

Strengthen the Network

Cargo theft crosses company, county and state lines. ICTC exists to connect vetted professionals across law enforcement, transportation, logistics, rail, retail, loss prevention and cargo security so intelligence can move faster than the criminal enterprise.

Build Investigative Capability with BSCII

The Basic Supply Chain Intelligence Investigator (BSCII) certification is designed to strengthen professional understanding of cargo theft, supply-chain intelligence, investigations, prevention and public-private collaboration. ICTC members also receive member benefits including 10% off ICTC training and conferences.

Intelligence • Investigations • Prevention • Partnerships

Illinois Cargo Theft Coalition — Building stronger intelligence. Developing stronger investigators. Protecting the supply chain.