DIEPPE, N.B. -- The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) is unhappy with the response, or lack thereof, one of its member carriers received when reporting stolen cargo.
The New Brunswick-based carrier, according to the APTA, called police to report the loss of two trailers, which were pilfered despite the company having “the best (theft prevention) systems available” at their terminals.
When the carrier called police, it was told the theft wouldn’t be investigated, the APTA claims.
“Cargo theft is a problem and it will continue to worsen. The rate of thefts is climbing and this incident is evidence that New Brunswick is becoming a target for these individuals or groups that are stealing trailers,” said a concerned Jean Marc Picard, executive director of the APTA. “What is disturbing about the whole situation is that the authorities have completely turned a blind eye on these latest theft.”
According to the association, police first asked the carrier “Aren’t you insured?” Picard said that response was “not acceptable and unprofessional.” The carrier tried once again to get a police response and was reportedly hung up on by the police.
“This is a huge concern for the industry; we should be working in partnership with the local authorities,” Picard said.
The trailers, incidentally, were recovered in Quebec - minus the goods they contained when stolen. The carrier that was victimized has hired a private investigator to help track down the stolen freight.