JERSEY CITY, N.J. — CargoNet has released key findings of a detailed survey of cargo theft activity in the US in 2011. The report shows a rise in cargo theft reporting, which officials attribute to an improvement in collaboration and data sharing between the insurance and transportation industries and law enforcement.

Formed by Verisk Analytics and the National Insurance Crime Bureau in 2009, CargoNet developed and manages a national cargo theft database and secure information sharing system. Although the primary focus of the system is to enhance the immediate operational sharing of data between theft victims and law enforcement, officials say the growth of the database allows a deep and detailed analysis of cargo theft in the US.

CargoNet’s 2011 annual cargo theft report includes information reported to CargoNet on the type of commodities most often stolen, theft incident locations, and additional analysis such as the time of day and day of the week when cargo is most often targeted based on more than 300 data points. Officials say the report “can help law enforcement and supply chain professionals reduce risk by pinpointing areas of vulnerability and providing guidance to improve supply chain security protocols.”

“This report is an example of how far we’ve come in public-private collaboration efforts at a time when budgetary pressures make such strategic alliances more important than ever,” said Tony Canale, vice-president of Verisk Crime Analytics. “We have much further to go, but the momentum is building.”

CargoNet recorded 1,215 cargo theft incidents. Of the 1,215 cargo theft incidents recorded, 116 incidents involved base metals, 229 involved electronics, 105 involved apparel and accessories, and 200 involved prepared foodstuffs and beverages.

The report also found that most cargo theft incidents occurred on Fridays (227 incidents recorded), Saturdays (202 recorded), and Sundays (198 recorded) at locations such as truck stops, carrier/terminal lots, and unsecured parking lots.

The cargo theft report can be downloaded by visiting http://www.cargonet.com/cargo_theft_reports/2011.pdf.