A total of 191 thefts occurred in the quarter, FreightWatch says, marking a 14 percent decrease from the same quarter last year. Sixty-five of these incidents occurred in January, 60 in February and 66 in March.
Food/drink remained the most stolen product type in 2015’s first quarter with 31 percent of total thefts during this period. Products that were primarily targeted in this category include candy, cookies and snacks, meats, sodas, juices, teas and water, and canned/dry goods.
The electronics category continues to be the second-most stolen product type with 14 percent of the total in the first quarter, primarily consisting of televisions and displays, as well as software, components and peripherals.
New Jersey, typically fifth through ninth in the state rankings, reported the most thefts in 2015’s first quarter with 19 percent of the country’s total thefts. Florida was the second most active state as a result of the recent and persistent drop in theft volumes in California.
Arkansas made its first appearance in the top 10 states by earning 78 percent of its average annual total in just the first quarter.
Pilferage, a theft type utilized by organized cargo thieves and street-level criminals alike, accounted for 12 percent of total thefts in the quarter.
Electronics had the highest average theft value in the quarter with $772,369, followed by metals at $387,001. The third highest theft value belongs to clothing and shoes at $347,733.