Preventing Theft at Shipping Ports

Shipping Port Security Guards –

This holiday season, a shipping backlog and supply chain concerns have spelled disaster for ports. Container ships are clogging docks around the country, and cargo from Asia is being rerouted to ports in other areas of the country in some towns.

This stalemate has contributed to recent consumer price increases and bare retail shelves, placing pressure on businesses and state and federal governments to find a solution. The Port of Los Angeles announced last month that it will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but a dearth of truck drivers and nocturnal warehouse personnel has hampered the nonstop schedule.

Congested container yards on the West Coast have made ports a hotbed for burglaries, with more than $5 million worth of commodities stolen in “supply-chain thefts” in only the third quarter. Experts expect that theft activity will continue high as we enter the last month of the year, with a particular focus on containers containing electronics and domestic goods. Unfortunately, without a full security crew, facilities are extremely vulnerable.

Private Security Services

This is where private security services come in to help fill the void. These professionals can assist identify weak places and design a security plan that guarantees the port does not become a conduit for criminal activity, whether it’s armed or unarmed guards, loss prevention specialists, foot patrols, concierge service, or all of the above.

A good security partner can give you the assurance that your guards are up to date on their training and best practices, including conflict de-escalation and resolution strategies. They can also assist in the identification and mitigation of a wide range of risks. Containers, for example, are an apparent target for attack, but they should not be the main emphasis. Other aspects of port security, such as video monitoring, access control, and infrastructural restrictions, must also be taken into account.

When it comes to criminality, port operators must take a proactive rather than reactive approach, focusing on early identification and prevention. This necessitates intelligence sharing and cooperation among law enforcement authorities, internal port security divisions, private security organizations, and shipping enterprises. These stakeholders can help limit losses caused by criminal behavior this holiday season by cooperating with organized efforts. Contact us for more information.