Logistics and Supply Chain Security—UK and Europe
What is logistics Security?
Logistics security is a holistic approach to end-to-end protection of goods manufactured in factories, goods stored in warehouses awaiting dispatch and the process of securely transporting them from depot to destination.
Why is it Important?
In the face of a surge in security challenges and criminal activity, the logistics and transport industry is under increasing pressure to ensure that goods arrive safely at their destination. Rising threats include theft of cargo by organised gangs, insider threats from dishonest employees and subcontractors, and sophisticated cyberattacks. Criminals are constantly devising new ways of targeting high-value goods like electronics, pharmaceuticals and tobacco products.
Exponential increases in freight crime were initially a reaction to sudden and rapid price increases that have now become embedded in society and therefore resistant to attempts to bring them down. Some shocking statistics emerged in 2024, emphasising the need for a coordinated response at the European level.
This blog post will examine the growing security threats in logistics across the UK and Europe, highlight the crucial role of security guards, and discuss how a combination of human expertise and advanced technology can keep pace with the latest security industry developments and thwart ever more sophisticated attempts at breaching supply chain security.
Navigation
The Scale of Cargo Theft in the UK and Europe
Cargo theft is one of the most pressing issues for logistics companies in the UK and Europe. Criminal networks are becoming more professionalised, employing tactics such as hijacking vehicles, boarding moving vehicles, or hacking logistics systems.
In 2024 alone, cargo theft incidents in the UK increased by nearly 58% compared to earlier months, with losses totalling £111.5 million. Across Europe, the situation is equally alarming. The table below summarises key 2024 statistics produced by the Transport Asset Protection Association (TAPA), illustrating the upsurge in logistics-related crime.
| Metric | 2024 Data (Europe/EMEA) |
| Total incidents (5 months) | 5777 |
| Incidents (September) | 405 |
| Incidents (Q1, EU) | 2616 |
| Average loss per incident (May) | €81,943 |
| Daily loss rate (May) | €235,257 |
| Major single incident losses | Up to €4 million |
| Most affected countries | Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain |
| Top targeted commodities | Electronics, copper, food/beverage, fuel |
| 3-year total (2022–2024) | 157,421 incidents, €2.7 billion losses |
Cargo Theft Statistics
The growing sophistication of criminal networks across Europe has led to increased crime statistics across the board. In Europe’s top four freight crime hotspots, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, cargo theft incidents have reached record highs.
- In July 2024 alone, over €16 million of goods were stolen across Europe
- Fuel thefts increased by 42% between June and July 2024.
United Kingdom
- £111.5 million worth of goods were stolen from lorries, which equates to nearly a two-thirds increase from previous years
- The UK accounted for 35.7% of all cargo theft incidents in Europe during July 2024, with 620 reported cases
Europe
- Germany (20.6%), Italy (14%), France (12.7%), and Spain (6.5%) were also hotspots for cargo crime.
- Total financial losses across Europe reached €549 million in 2023, a staggering 438% increase from 2022.
Goods in Storage
Upstream logistics and supply chain security risks include the physical security of goods stored in factories, warehouses and distribution centres before and after they have been transported. Vulnerabilities include physical security breaches and insider threats like supplier, subcontractor and employee dishonesty.
Theft of high-value goods such as electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals has increased. Since world events in 2022 triggered the cost-of-living crisis, food and household goods have also become increasingly targeted. As the graph below illustrates, cargo theft from a storage facility accounts for around 26% of reported crimes.
Warehouse Theft Statistics UK and Europe
According to the latest statistics, warehouses are a vulnerable point in the logistics supply chain, with around £7.9 billion of losses in 2023 from UK warehouses, distribution centres and general storage. This marked shift in criminal targeting is creating logistics security challenges across the continent, with Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, and France reporting the highest rates of warehouse theft. The retail sector was particularly affected, with facility-based thefts increasing from 9% in 2023 to 11% in 2024.
The number of reported crimes last year increased from 6,113 to 8,281. The total loss from crimes when the value of stolen goods was reported was EUR 549 million. This is an increase of 438% compared to 2022 and by as much as 1,076% compared to 2021.
Warehouse security tips
In our guide to warehouse security, we covered the subject in detail, but here’s a summary of the main actions companies can take to boost warehouse security:
- Security Guards: Monitoring access points to ensure only authorised personnel enter secure areas. Monitoring perimeters and premises during vulnerable hours
- Physical Security Measures: Secure perimeters and premises with security fencing, barriers, and gates, use floodlighting and high security locks on windows and doors
- Smart Access Control Technology: Using biometric recognition or key card entry to restrict access to sensitive areas
- Surveillance Systems: High-definition cameras and motion sensors for real-time monitoring, either onsite or from a remote monitoring centre
- Secure Rooms and Storage Cages: Ensuring that stored goods are securely locked away to provide an additional layer of security inside the premises
- Staff Recruitment and Training: Use robust recruitment processes and thorough checks, and use induction training to cascade security protocols and foster company-wide awareness of security risks
- Data Point Access: Ensure that all data access points are adequately password protected for use by authorised personnel only.
- and that your WiFi network is protected from hacking
- Inventory Management Systems: Closely monitoring inventory levels will help to quickly identify discrepancies that may have resulted from theft or insider dishonesty
- Tamper-Evident Seals: Secure shipments with locks and seals to prevent tampering and clearly highlight when stock has been tampered with.
Goods in Transit
Supply chain vulnerabilities are distributed across multiple points, with 41% of thefts occurring in transit, 4% at unsecured roadside parking, and 4% from parking facilities. Food and beverage products became increasingly targeted commodities, with incidents of theft rising from 16% in 2022 to 21% in 2023, marking a strategic shift toward essential consumer goods.
For goods in transit, commercial drivers are more aware of the risks they face on the road and while parked in laybys and parking areas. While training designed to increase truck drivers’ awareness of cargo security, criminal tactics used, and other crime risks is increasingly available, the rise in threats of violence and forced hijacking is something that drivers feel least equipped to deal with.
Security guards can provide that important reassurance to drivers and play an important role in safeguarding cargo at every stage of the supply chain. Their presence is not only a proactive deterrent to criminal activity, but their professional experience and training also means they are better equipped to deal with physical threats more proactively than a lone driver and, as a result, prevent cargo theft on occasions when an unprotected driver, for personal safety, would have no choice but to let it go.
Boosting Transit Security
Securing the Cab
Biometric Immobilisation
One method used by criminals that accounts for around 11% of cargo theft incidents is to drive away the complete tractor and trailer unit. Fortunately, manufacturers are incorporating a range of advanced security features, such as GPS tracking, electronic immobilisers, and sophisticated locking systems. One emerging technology is biometric immobilisation. This is designed to prevent theft by requiring a unique biometric identifier, like a fingerprint, to start the engine, ensuring that only authorised personnel can operate the vehicle. These systems are available as after-market installations, although some major manufacturers are beginning to adopt them as standard.
Cabin Security Reinforcement
Vulnerability can be reduced by reinforcing the driver’s cabin with anti-smash windows, window security films, anti-tamper door locks and slam locks that automatically engage when the door is closed. Reinforcing vulnerable areas like doors, side panels, and roofs with stronger materials can delay or prevent criminals from breaking into the cabin.
Anti-Fuel Theft Measures
It is possible that a fully fuelled HGV could be carrying up to 1500 litres of fuel. Assuming an average fuel price of €1.75 per litre in Europe, the value of the fuel could be 1500 × 1.75 = €2625. Installing robust locking mechanisms on fuel caps and anti-siphoning devices prevents fuel theft, which has recently become a more prominent and costly threat.
Securing the Cargo Area
Install high-security locks, such as slam locks that automatically secure when the door closes, or deadlocks that require a key to open even from the inside. Anti-drill and anti-pick locks can deter or slow down thieves.
Cargo Compartment Reinforcement: Use reinforced steel panels or bars on container/trailer doors to prevent forced entry. Add internal locking bars or crossbar locks that secure doors from the inside, making them harder to pry open and install locking steel security cages.
Anti-Slash Curtains: For trailers with curtain sides, use slash-resistant materials or install steel mesh within the curtains to prevent cutting and unauthorised access to goods.
Kingpin Locks: Fit kingpin locks on trailers to prevent unauthorised coupling and towing. These locks cover the trailer’s kingpin, preventing thieves from attempting to hitch the trailer to another vehicle.
Alarm Systems with Cargo Area Monitoring: Integrating sensors within the cargo area that trigger an alarm upon unauthorised entry or movement can provide early warning of a potential breach.
Utilising Technology for Physical Security
Modern technology plays an important role in enhancing supply chain security and is particularly effective when combined with human oversight.
- Telematics with Security Features: Telematics refers to the technology of collecting, transmitting, and analysing data from vehicles using a combination of GPS, sensors, and telecommunications. Systems offer features like remote immobilisation, panic buttons for drivers, and alerts for unusual activity.
- CCTV and Surveillance Systems: Installing cameras on the exterior and interior of the vehicle can act as a deterrent and provide valuable evidence in case of an incident. Consider cameras with mobile connectivity and remote viewing access.
- Access Control Systems: For vehicles with multiple drivers or specific access requirements, key card or biometric access control systems can ensure only authorised personnel can operate the vehicle or access the cargo area.
Operational and Procedural Measures
Reviewing and updating cargo security processes and procedures is a fundamental element of maintaining effective logistics security. Here is a list of the key elements and why they are important
- Secure Parking Procedures: Establishing protocols for parking in well-lit, secure areas and avoiding leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods in vulnerable locations reduces risk.
- Driver Training: Educating drivers on security best practices, such as always locking doors, being aware of their surroundings, and understanding the security technology available to them and how best to use it.
- Regular Security Checks: Standardising checks of locking mechanisms, seals, and other security features prior to commencing a journey.
- Route Planning and Risk Assessment: Identifying high-risk areas and planning routes accordingly can minimise exposure to potential threats.
- Security Escort Vehicles: For high-value or high-risk shipments, using escort vehicles can provide an additional layer of security and act as a visible deterrent.
By implementing a combination of these physical security measures, goods vehicle operators can significantly reduce the risk of theft, damage, and unauthorised access. The specific measures chosen will depend on the value and nature of the goods being transported, the operational environment, and the perceived level of risk.
The Use of Security Guards for Logistics Security
There`s a lot that physical and technological logistics security solutions can do to protect goods at every stage of the process. But when it comes to human oversight, security guards are best placed to interpret scenarios and provide a flexible response that goes beyond algorithms and machine learning. Security guards contribute in many ways, including:
1. Proactive Deterrence and Prevention
- A visible security presence discourages opportunistic theft at warehouses, distribution centres, and parking locations.
- Guards monitor and control key access points to ensure only authorised personnel enter secure areas.
- Security guards can accompany deliveries either onboard or in escort vehicles
2. Incident Response
- Trained guards can quickly identify suspicious behaviour or breaches and take immediate action to counter them.
- They act as first responders during emergencies, coordinating with law enforcement when necessary.
3. Overseeing Procedural Compliance
- Guards can verify driver identities during pickups and check documentation for discrepancies.
- They can oversee loading and unloading processes to prevent tampering or unauthorised access to goods.
- Security guards can stay vigilant against insider theft and employee/subcontractor dishonesty
Conclusion
Cargo theft and general logistics security is a growing concern across the UK and Europe, It’s not just the loss of stock. Further costs arise from disruption, extra investment in security, and increased insurance premiums. Businesses are unlikely to swallow these costs, meaning that they are inevitably paid for by the end consumer. Investing in robust technological, physical and security guarding measures to protect logistics at every stage of the journey can help businesses to remain viable as well as decrease one significant pressure on the cost of living.
