Cargo transportation theft has migrated to new modalities in 2025
Theft of cargo transportation in Mexico is evolving, with criminal groups changing operational hours and target products, as highlighted in a recent report.
The landscape of cargo theft in Mexico is undergoing significant changes, according to the latest analysis presented by Luis Enrique Villatoro, director of Intelligence at Overhaul. The report, titled "Annual Report on Cargo Thefts in Mexico 2025," reveals that criminal groups are not only altering the hours of operation for committing these thefts but are also changing the types of products they target and the geographical regions where they operate. As per the findings, 82 percent of cargo thefts are concentrated in the Central and Bajio regions of Mexico. This shift in strategies indicates a more organized and adaptive approach by these groups.
The report further discloses that a staggering 83 percent of cargo theft incidents occur between Monday and Friday, demonstrating that thievery is not restricted to weekends. Notably, the peak in criminal activity is observed from Tuesday to Friday, with 69 percent of thefts taking place during this period. The nighttime hours from 6 PM to 12 AM account for 33 percent of these incidents, showing only a slight decrease of 4 percent compared to the previous year. This data suggests that thieves are taking advantage of predictable patterns in cargo transportation, allowing them to maximize their success rates.
The analysis indicates that two specific time frames are most targeted for these thefts, occurring between 5 AM and 10 AM, correlating with high transportation activity. As the cargo transportation industry continues to adapt to these ever-evolving threats, stakeholders must enhance security measures and effectively analyze these patterns to combat the rising crime rates and protect their assets more efficiently. The implications of these findings underscore the urgent need for improved strategies and preventive measures in the logistics sector of Mexico.