The operation started on Sunday, October 30, with notification to the CargoNet operations center of the theft of a load of televisions. CargoNet passed the notification and further intelligence to the California Cargo Theft Interdiction Program (CTIP) and acted as liaison between the theft victim and CTIP. The intelligence provided allowed CTIP to carry out targeted surveillance within an industrial area containing 140 potential storage locations. The resulting investigation and search led to the recovery of the stolen televisions as well as stolen property from seven other thefts, including electronics, building materials, household goods, and clothing.
"This is a great example of the industry supporting law enforcement operations through preplanning, the deployment of technology, and enhanced information sharing," said Sgt. Ken Huerta of CTIP. "The cooperation between CargoNet and CTIP is a great example of the sort of public-private partnership so critical to effective intelligence-led policing."
"A number of parties played a key role in the favorable conclusion to this case, starting with a logistics company with well-planned processes in place and technology from Transport Security, Inc.," added Anthony Canale, vice president of operations at CargoNet. "Both the immediate notification of CargoNet and the actions by CTIP that followed contributed to a successful outcome. It is an excellent case study of the role that planning and preparation play in the effective response to a cargo theft. If no action is taken until after a theft has occurred, the chances of success are slim." The value of the recovery is estimated to be more than $1 million. The case is ongoing pending several arrests. Images of the recovered property are available to the press.
