Every year loss from cargo theft in the United States costs billions of dollars. This includes the costs associated with investigation and insurance payments.

Hot products are typically targets for cargo theft. This includes clothing, prescription drugs, computer and jewelry.

The most common type of cargo theft occurs in trucking and it is often committed by a truck driver and a warehouse employee working together.

Cargo is at its greatest risk when it is being loaded and unloaded.

There are certain measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of cargo theft.

• Restrict access to loading areas. Be sure everyone has proper identification.

• Storage areas should be secured. This includes locks on all windows and doors.

• Electronic security systems and surveillance systems should be installed to monitor all movements.

There are also some more simple target hardening methods that can be used to deter cargo theft.

• Use seals on boxes and packages that are difficult to re-seal once they have been broken. You may want to consider self-voiding tape, security tape, water gum tape.

• Carefully supervise loading and/or unloading. Make sure merchandise is not left unattended for long periods of time.

Violence in the workplace

There are five categories of workplace violence, each having its own unique set of motivating factors:

• robbery and other commercial crimes;

• domestic and misdirected affection cases;

• employer-directed violence;

• situations involving law enforcement or security officers and

• terrorism or hate crimes.

According to the Department of Justice, 1-in-6 violent crimes occur in the workplace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, murder is the leading cause of death for women on the job – more than any other source of occupational injury.

What can be done to prevent workplace violence?

The best deterrent to workplace violence is to conduct adequate screening and not hire employees with a history of violent behavior. Employers should establish a zero tolerance policy for threatening or engaging in violent behavior, providing for employee disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Supervisors and employees should be trained to look for red flags or warning signs identifying emotionally upset workers. An employee assistance program should be provided for counseling and referral. A crisis management or threat assessment team should be developed to evaluate incidents and provide a mechanism for employees to report threatening situations. Access control should be exercised to limit the traffic flow and the number of non-employees in the workplace. A violence reaction plan should be developed that includes emergency aid and post-incident response measures.

What are the warning signs?

Overreaction by the employee or customer to changes in existing policies or adoption of new one.