TAPA Vigilant Magazine: ‘Winter of Discontent’
Source: TAPA Vigilant Magazine, Winter of Discontent / Discussion of the growing energy crisis and its potential impact on the supply chain.
Steve Bacot, LandRisk Manager at Risk Intelligence, was invited by TAPA's Vigilant Magazine to discuss the emerging energy crisis and its potential implications on supply chain resilience in the coming months.
24 October 2022
Given the escalating energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where increasing prices contributed to excruciatingly high inflation, the consequences will be felt for years to come. The article discusses how the energy crisis may affect cargo crime. It also considers how it could influence the supply chain as a whole and gives recommendations for mitigating the effects.
Our LandRisk Manager, Steve Bacot, outlines the three elements required to commit a cargo theft crime: capability, intent, and opportunity. Further, he added that ‘The energy crisis and hike in inflation has increased the motivation/intent to commit theft,’ which may lead to honest citizens committing crime or intentionally purchasing stolen goods. In addition, he said that ‘So, this winter presents a perfect storm for cargo theft with all three enablers present to enable crime to take place. We have seen a huge increase in fuel theft incidents throughout Europe. Many incidents have included thefts in the region of 1,500 litres or more, siphoned from trucks or facility fuel storage tanks.’ He mentioned that fuel theft is a major issue for truck drivers, particularly in the run-up to Christmas and operators are left with the expense of stolen fuel.
Furthermore, Bacot underlined the importance of the following aspects ‘Two implications to consider are the rise in activism/protest incidents, which can directly and indirectly impact shipments […].’ He noted an increase in the number of protests over fuel prices in a number of European countries, including violent strike actions by transport workers that disrupted logistics facilities. In addition, he explained that ‘The energy crisis has led to the increased use of fossil fuels as Russian gas imports dried up, which has galvanised climate activists who have blockaded main transit routes, oil and gas facilities […]’, while stating that ‘[…] the main, indirect impact is the disruption that protests and strike action cause.’
Moreover, according to Bacot ‘Transport despatchers must have a ’ Plan B’ to account for delays and identify suitable places to park overnight. These sites may not be as secure as a TAPA PSR or EU SSTPA accredited site. So, despatchers must develop contingencies and use intelligence to identify the security measures available at less attractive sites […]’, while highlighting that ‘Now more than ever logistics providers should implement TAPA TSR and FSR requirements to the extent possible to reduce their risk of cargo theft.’
Read the full article in TAPA Vigilant digital magazine.
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