Using intelligence and industry best practice to combat criminal incidents against the supply chain

A convoy of trucks can be seen on a country highway in Serbia in the image. Photo: iStock

24 June 2024

Recent high-impact incidents in Germany, France and Italy underscore the severe risks posed by organised criminals to supply chain and commercial facilities. Utilising intelligence from LandRisk Logistics and adhering to TAPA standards can fortify your organisation's security and resilience against criminal activities.

By Steve Bacot, Head of Standards

We recorded three very different, high impact incidents on LandRisk Logistics that took place between the 14-17 June 2024 which highlight the dangers that capable, motivated and well resourced criminals pose to the supply chain and commercial facilities. Although very different incidents, they remind us of the huge impact that criminal activities can have on operations and the health and safety of staff. Another interesting point is that these incidents could arguably have been avoided by implementing TAPA TSR and FSR protocols.

More information about the incident can be obtained by those with access to LandRisk Logistics: Germany - Robbery

In the first incident a truck driver was reportedly gassed with a narcotic substance whilst asleep in his cab at a non-secure motorway service area in Nossen, Germany. The truck driver awoke 13 hours later and found that cash, fuel cards and his truck radio had been stolen from the cab. This resulted in losses of EUR 3,700 and damage to the truck cab of EUR 1,500. Of more concern is the potential danger to the health of the truck driver through this form of attack. Of note, was the fact that the driver had left his cab window slightly open and it is suspected that the perpetrators then managed to release the narcotic substance into the truck cab. If the driver had followed TAPA TSR protocols he would ideally have been parking at a secure site (if available) which may have prevented the attack and also had all cab doors and windows locked and fully closed whilst stationary. This would have made it much more difficult to carry out the attack.

Those with access to LandRisk Logistics can find additional details about the incident: France - Theft

In the second incident unknown perpetrators entered a company facility in Thiverval-Grignon, France and used angle grinders to remove the catalytic converters from 45 garbage collection trucks parked at site. This resulted in a loss through damages and disruption of EUR 500,000 for the operator. However, if the operator had adopted the TAPA FSR standard then they would have conducted a risk assessment which should have highlighted the vulnerability of trucks parked onsite. This could have led to the implementation of various risk controls such as CCTV security cameras, lighting, robust fences and gates, and an intrusion detection alarm system monitored 24/7. If these controls had been in place then arguably they may have prevented or reduced the impact of this incident.

Additional information about the incident is available to users with LandRisk Logistics access: Italy - Theft from facility

In the third incident, a professional criminal gang ram-raided a company facility in Patrica, Italy, smashing down the facility entrance with a car to gain access. The perpetrators then stole thousands of mobile phones and other computer equipment which they loaded into various vehicles before escaping the scene. The perpetrators also blocked the local access roads with five stolen vehicles which they set on fire and also scattered thousands of multi-pointed nails on local roads to hamper the police response. The perpetrators also attacked a security guard on duty at an adjacent facility smashing his car windows to prevent him intervening. This incident generated losses of approximately EUR 1.3 million. Obviously this theft was carried out by a professionally organised and highly motivated criminal group. The facility was most likely equipped with an alarm linked to the police but the perpetrators would have expected that and were able to enter the facility, steal the goods and escape before the police or contracted security could respond. It is hard to combat this level of criminality but this incident is not an unforeseen risk.

We have recorded numerous incidents in Italy on LandRisk Logistics using a similar MO which resulted in other high value losses. The TAPA FSR standard requires organisations to nominate a dedicated person to conduct a risk assessment for a facility and oversee the implementation of risk controls. As this kind of incident has been seen on numerous occasions before this could have been factored into the risk assessment and appropriate controls implemented. Even removable bollards placed at building weak points such as roller shutters at loading docks or other access points can deter or prevent a ram-raid incident. Acknowledging the fact that organised criminal groups employ tactics to hamper the police response can also be factored into incident response protocols. Employing the vast array of controls contained in the FSR standard will make any facility much more resilient to a criminal incident based on the fundamental requirement to carry out a risk assessment.

Using intelligence such as that provided by LandRisk Logistics and employing TAPA TSR and FSR protocols (and ideally certifying to these standards) can help you ensure your organisation does not become the soft target and improve the security and resilience of your facilities and logistics operations.

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