Germany tops list of countries worst affected by cargo theft as latest Retail Risk survey exposes scale of supply chain crime in the UK…

Europe’s cargo theft problem showed little sign of easing in February 2026, with new figures revealing the scale and growing sophistication of supply chain crime across the region.

According to the Cargo Crime Monitor report from the EMEA region, published by TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association), 1,168 cargo theft incidents were recorded during February alone.

In cases where losses could be quantified, the total value stolen reached almost €166.5 Million – although the true figure is likely to be considerably higher given that many incidents remain unvalued.

The average loss value for 57 thefts above €100,000 was €2,846,003, while the average for all incidents with a specified value was €499,850.

Germany recorded the highest number of incidents with 223 reported thefts, followed by Italy (105), Spain (96), France (79) and the UK (64), highlighting the widespread nature of cargo crime across Europe’s logistics networks.

The findings closely mirror concerns raised in the latest Retail Risk – Supply Chain Risk Management Survey, sponsored by ASEL, which highlights how organised criminal groups are increasingly turning their attention towards retail supply chains as security measures tighten elsewhere across the retail environment.

Drawing on analysis covering approximately 44% of the UK’s leading retailers by turnover, the survey paints a stark picture of the growing risks facing the sector. Survey highlights include:

• The actual cost to UK retail of supply chain crime… you’ll be staggered!
• How retailers have abandoned even reporting crime to the authorities and why
• The key points of vulnerability for freight crime, and what needs to be done about it
• Meaningful benchmarking against comparable retailers
• Emerging crime trends and pressure points
• Practical insight into what peers are doing differently – and successfully

Plus much more.

If you have not yet requested a copy of the survey, please contact Paul at [email protected].

Taken together, both the European cargo theft data and our own survey findings point to a clear trend: organised retail crime is evolving rapidly, with supply chains increasingly viewed as attractive and vulnerable targets. As criminal tactics become more sophisticated, the need for stronger supply chain risk management, greater collaboration and improved intelligence sharing has never been more pressing.

These challenges – and the solutions shaping the future of supply chain security – will form a key part of discussions at the upcoming Retail Risk – On The Move conference in Manchester on 17th September.

Bringing together retailers, logistics professionals and security specialists, the event will provide an important forum for sharing insights, exploring emerging risks and identifying practical strategies to better protect supply chains in an increasingly challenging threat landscape.