Discrepancy Between Official Data and On-the-Ground Experience
The National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) and the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) argue that there is a need to review how the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System reports theft against transporters, as this year’s figures show a decrease that does not reflect reality, which has become even more violent.
Official Statistics vs. Actual Situation
According to the data from May last year, there were 505 thefts in Mexico, a 26% decrease compared to the same period last year (accumulated from January to May, the number dropped from 3,415 to 2,653).
Efforts to Combat Theft
During the 25th National Forum on Merchandise Transportation, Leonardo Gómez, the ANTP’s executive director, highlighted that along with their affiliated members like Pepsico, Bimbo, Femsa, Alpura, DACERO, and La Corona, they have attempted to prevent the mentioned crimes using technology. However, these efforts have proven insufficient.
“Every time I ask transporters who serve us or our members about theft, they say no; the index remains high and unfortunately is becoming more violent. However, the official statistics indicate otherwise. We are not saying they’re incorrect; we are requesting a review of how each type of incident is categorized, as when there’s a fatality involved, it’s not classified as theft but something else,” Gómez explained.
Positive Relationship with Authorities
Gómez believes that the current positive relationship with authorities at various government levels will help address this issue appropriately. He mentioned that internal theft incidences do not align with the reported decrease, and other specialized organizations also report rising thefts. Therefore, it’s crucial to present factual data on this matter.
Canacar’s Perspective
Miguel Ángel Martínez, Canacar’s president, stated that despite official data suggesting a nationwide reduction in truck thefts, his affiliated members continue to experience these incidents, which are becoming increasingly violent and threaten the safety of vehicle operators.
The states with the highest incidence of truck thefts are: Mexico State, Puebla, Guanajuato, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí, Michoacán, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Tlaxcala.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the discrepancy between official data and the reality faced by truckers? Official statistics report a 26% decrease in theft against transporters this year, but trucking associations like ANTP and Canacar claim this does not reflect the actual situation, which has become more violent.
- What measures have been taken to combat theft? ANTP and its members, including Pepsico, Bimbo, Femsa, Alpura, DACERO, and La Corona, have attempted to prevent theft using technology. However, they believe these efforts are insufficient.
- Why do trucking associations question the official data? They argue that internal theft incidences do not align with reported decreases and that other organizations report rising thefts. They request a review of how each type of incident is categorized.
- Which states have the highest incidence of truck thefts? The states with the most reported truck thefts are Mexico State, Puebla, Guanajuato, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí, Michoacán, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Tlaxcala.
