FREDERICTON, N.B. – The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the RCMP and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) are bringing a national cargo theft reporting program to Atlantic Canada.

The announcement was made earlier this week as a result of the success of the Cargo Theft Initiative that was launched by the IBC and the Canadian Trucking Alliance in Ontario last year. The initiative brings together the insurance industry, the trucking community, law enforcement and stakeholders to raise awareness of the issue and assist the recovery of stolen goods.

The initiative began as a pilot reporting project in 2011 in Ontario and Quebec. Working with CTA and other member companies, IBC collected, analyzed, and shared cargo loss information with law enforcement.

“I am extremely pleased by the joint efforts the RCMP and the Insurance Bureau of Canada have taken to address the growing problem of cargo theft in our province,” said Jean-Marc Picard, executive director of the APTA. “It is a major issue across Canada but one that is growing in our province and its affecting our economy, local businesses, our livelihood, and local trucking companies. Cargo theft in New Brunswick represents 10’s of millions of dollars and can be as severe as shutting down businesses due to the costs associated with the thefts.  One stolen trailer can be worth up to $250,000 in value, therefore it can put a business under overnight. Truck transportation is the #1 mode to move goods in our province, an industry that is important to our economy and employs over 20,000 people.  It’s imperative that we collaborate as a team and develop strategies to solve this problem.”

The success of the program is illustrated in a case that occurred last summer in Ontario. The cargo theft reporting database coordinated communication between insurance companies and law enforcement. This communication led to a police raid in which the police were able to identify the owners of approximately $1.4 million in stolen goods.

“To fight cargo theft, we must be as organized as the criminals,” said Amanda Dean, vice-president, Atlantic, IBC. “Cargo theft is not a victimless crime. It is exacting a human toll, costing the Canadian economy billions of dollars and threatening the security of Canadians. This initiative and strengthened partnership will help curb this type of crime and protect people in our communities.”

To assist in combating cargo theft the IBC urges witnesses to call the confidential hotline 1-877-IBC-TIPS line (1-877-422-8477) or go online at www.ibc.ca to fill out a tip form that can be sent to IBC anonymously.

“Reporting crime as soon as possible is one of the most effective ways to solve and prevent further incidents,” said chief superintendent Wayne Gallant, New Brunswick RCMP criminal operations officer. “As the police, we need that information. By knowing where and when criminals are active, we’re able to investigate and do the analysis required to catch and charge those responsible and help prevent further incidents. The RCMP in New Brunswick is pleased to support this effort to encourage more people to report cargo thefts. By working together, we are helping to make cargo shipments travelling in this province more safe and secure.”