Design Highlights
- Cargo theft incidents during the holiday season increased by 82%, rising from 49 reported thefts in 2020 to 89 in 2024.
- High-value shipments, particularly electronics and food, are primary targets for thieves, with average shipment values reaching $278,797 in 2025.
- The peak period for cargo theft occurs from December 23 to January 2, accounting for 69% of thefts during the holiday season.
- California is the leading state for holiday cargo theft, with significant incidents also reported in Texas and Illinois.
- Contributing factors include thinner staffing, longer freight dwell times, and heightened logistics challenges during the holiday season.
The holiday season, a time meant for joy and celebration, has become a playground for thieves. Yes, you read that right. While most people are busy decking the halls and prepping for festive gatherings, a different kind of activity is ramping up—cargo theft. Since 2020, reported incidents of theft have skyrocketed by 82 percent, going from 49 in 2020 to a staggering 89 in 2024. Talk about an unwelcome gift!
The statistics are hard to ignore. Across five holiday periods, there have been 353 reported theft events, ranging from cargo theft to supply chain fraud. In 2024 alone, cargo theft activity in the U.S. and Canada surged by 27 percent, totaling 3,625 incidents. It’s as if organized criminals decided that the holidays are the perfect time to get their hands on someone else’s goodies. And guess what? In 2025, over $318 million worth of cargo was stolen, with the average shipment value hitting a jaw-dropping $278,797. High-risk cargo categories have become prime targets for thieves during this time. How’s that for a holiday bonus? Furthermore, thieves are increasingly targeting high-demand, easy-to-resell commodities like electronics and food, which adds to the urgency for enhanced security measures.
If you think the thieves are taking a break, think again. The highest risk period stretches from December 23 to January 2. It’s no surprise that 69 percent of thefts happen between December 23 and 29. December 23 itself saw a peak of 56 events. So, while you’re wrapping presents, thieves are unwrapping your cargo with no remorse.
Geographic hotspots are also telling. California leads the charge with 84 holiday-window thefts, followed by Texas and Illinois. Some counties, like San Bernardino and Los Angeles, are practically crime magnets during the holidays. Much like how renters insurance costs vary significantly by location, with states like Mississippi seeing rates nearly double those of North Dakota, theft risk also fluctuates dramatically based on geography. It’s like they have a neon sign that reads, “Thieves Welcome Here!”
What are they stealing? Vehicle-related items top the list, along with electronics, food, and household goods. In fact, during Thanksgiving 2024, food and beverages led the thefts with 31 incidents. Because nothing says “holiday spirit” like stealing someone’s turkey, right?
Finally, let’s talk about the contributing factors. Thinner staffing and extended freight dwell times make it easy for criminals to slip through the cracks. A sobering 19 percent of fleet spending is lost to theft and fraud.
