Tapa pushes for stronger law endorcement to fight theft

Against a background of spiralling cargo theft, it is becoming increasingly apparent that African countries’ law enforcement bodies lack the expertise and knowledge to enforce regulations and prosecute offenders. This was one of the take-home messages at the recent meeting of the South African chapter of the Transported Asset Protection Association (Tapa) which falls under the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Members and industry stakeholders believe that training of police officers and prosecutors is necessary to deal with the complications of cargo theft which traverses global boundaries. Tapa South Africa’s Andre Duvenage suggested that the training initiative be placed on the agenda for the next meeting, to be held this month and that the chapter members find a way to address this. Tapa EMEA has seen 216 more incidents of cargo theft during the first quarter of 2014 over the last quarter of 2013, according to latest statistics on its website. Statistics also showed that theft from vehicles (54%) was the most common type of crime. Food and drinks, consumer electronics and clothing and footwear featured as the most frequently stolen items.