Metropolitan Areas and States with Large Urban Centers Are the Most Targeted by Criminals
With Christmas approaching, the logistics sector faces a significant increase in the volume of goods deliveries, fueled by the growth of online shopping and rising demand in supply chains. According to the National Confederation of Shopkeepers (CNDL) and the Credit Protection Service (SPC Brazil), 50% of consumers intend to shop online, and it is estimated that approximately R$74 billion will be injected into the economy. Consequently, the risks for transportation also increase, necessitating enhanced planning and monitoring of shipments.
According to Reginaldo Catarino, Intelligence Manager at Overhaul, a global risk management and logistics visibility company independent of devices, “this time of year sees an increase in the movement of goods, and this demands operational efficiency, as shipments become more targeted and vulnerable to theft.”
Metropolitan areas and states with large urban centers are particularly targeted by criminals, leading to an increased need for robust security measures. In the second week of December, Overhaul presented the third episode of the series “Transport Chronicles.”
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A 390-ton transformer traveled 270 kilometers in Sweden during a nighttime operation with special trucks, reinforced bridges, a road lowered by 400 mm, and railway crossings to deliver energy to one of the country’s largest wind power hubs.
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AI-powered cameras start fining drivers without seatbelts and using cell phones in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
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Port of Paranaguá receives Star Norge, a sustainable ship from Norway, with 14,200 tons of cellulose
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With 300 tons and a journey of more than 800 km, a giant transformer leaves Minas Gerais, crosses roads in a special operation, and arrives in the interior of São Paulo to integrate the hidden structure that carries energy underground in Brazil.
On this occasion, Reginaldo Catarino, Intelligence Manager at Overhaul, and Patrícia Santos, a risk management specialist working in the insurance area, analyzed data on thefts and cargo robberies in Brazil since 2019 and pointed out that 2024 is expected to see an increase in the number of cases due to the gradual and continuous economic recovery post-pandemic, resulting in a higher volume of cargo in transit. “Cargo theft is a crime that is part of a set of other crimes committed to supply illicit transnational markets. We have already discussed this with public safety authorities to understand this phenomenon, as criminal gangs are becoming more structured and aligning themselves, even with criminal factions that dominate drug trafficking in certain regions to hinder recovery efforts of the stolen cargo,” Reginaldo emphasizes.
To avoid thefts, delays in deliveries, and even problems due to the infrastructure of Brazilian roads, companies in the transportation sector need to invest in technological solutions that provide visibility throughout the entire supply chain.
Strengthening Security and Efficient Management
With the increase in traffic and visibility of shipments, enhancing security measures becomes a priority. The need to reinforce security is evident, requiring the implementation of additional layers of protection for shipments. “Companies are increasingly focused on integrating advanced technologies and efficient management practices to face these challenges. “The use of modern technologies is essential to ensure timely deliveries, overcoming logistical and security obstacles,” the risk manager adds.
Preparation and Response to Challenges
Logistical challenges at the end of the year go beyond operational aspects, also impacting workers, especially drivers. Family separation and pressure increase risks.
“Moments of inattention or deviations in processes occur due to pressure to meet sales targets at the end of the year, and these are points of fragility that criminals seek to exploit, as these process breakdowns actually increase exposure, thereby exacerbating security risks. Therefore, an integrated and secure approach is vital not only to maintain efficiency but also to ensure the integrity of shipments and the safety of workers during this intensified period,” warns Reginaldo.
About Overhaul
Founded in 2016, Overhaul operates in 145 countries and is the only global risk management and logistics visibility company independent of devices with a strong presence in Brazil. As a leader in supply chain risk management in transit, Overhaul transforms real-time visibility into risk management, compliance, and insurance solutions for its partners. Overhaul is a trusted supplier for Fortune 100 companies moving goods in the pharmaceutical and healthcare, technology, logistics, and food and beverage sectors. Clients include Microsoft, Bristol Myers Squibb, and many others. For more information, visit over-haul.com and follow Overhaul on social media LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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