Cargo Theft, Loss Prevention, and Supply Chain Security

Cargo Theft, Loss Prevention, and Supply Chain Security. By Dan Burges, CPP. Butterworth-Heinemann. Available from ASIS, www.asisonline.org/ASIS-Store, item #2015; 386 pages; $74 (ASIS member), $83 (nonmember).

Supply chain security has become headline news, and this book does a good job of describing the multitude of cargo theft challenges that security professionals face today. The first section of the book details the pervasiveness of the problem and its consequences. The author then discusses proven practical solutions, processes, and resources that can be used to develop a robust cargo security program. The book closes with valuable information regarding public-private sector partnerships and resources that are available for security professionals as well as law enforcement officials. A section at the end of each chapter highlights important concepts.

Some elements of this book could be improved. While full of extremely useful and timely statistics and examples, most of the accompanying graphs are not in color, detracting from the readability of the data. Additionally, some examples are repeated too often. That said, some of the examples bear repeating in various sections, especially for those readers who do not have the time to read the entire book.

Other than these minor points, this is the most up-to-date and practical resource on cargo theft to have been printed in some time. The author has done an excellent job of supplying independently verified statistics regarding most aspects of cargo theft that readers from all industries will find useful. Useful examples of cargo thefts are also presented. The author also provides meaningful information on supply-chain security challenges for various industries within several countries. This international focus reflects what security practitioners face in their own real-world supply chains. And while some readers would note that the author is employed by a firm that provides security solutions referenced in this book, he has deftly handled this without overly promoting his firm.

This book is written for a large audience, including security professionals, law enforcement officials, logistics managers, facility managers, and insurance adjusters. It is recommended reading for anyone who is involved in any aspect of supply chain security.

Reviewer: Richard E. Widup, Jr., CPP, is a senior director for Purdue Pharma L.P., where he is responsible for brand protection matters. He is a past chair of the ASIS Supply Chain Security Council and currently serves on the ASIS Board of Directors as president-elect.