THE CRIMINAL element worldwide has become increasingly sophisticated and the high pilferage of cargo has forced the industry as a whole to look at alternative methods of combating crime, says Francois Naude, managing member of Freight Surveillance International. But more organisations need to get involved, he said. In the five years in which his company has been active Spoornet appeared to be the only major company prepared to act decisively in crime prevention, he said. “Nobody wants to take responsibility, carry the loss or pay for prevention. Since day one the only party that we have dealt with, that was willing to assist us or spend any amount of money in crime prevention was Spoornet. He says they have reduced the loss ratio on rail by more than 60% in the last two years. “We are all aware of the project involving the bathtub rail wagons and the loading of 6m containers door-to-door. Currently Spoornet is busy fencing off hot spot areas such as marshalling yards and installing security cameras in these areas. It is costing them a fortune.”
