As Memorial Day weekend approaches, cargo theft activity across the United States has surged to unprecedented levels, with reported incidents in 2025 already reaching alarming rates that far exceed historical averages. Analysis of holiday-period theft data from the past five years reveals a concerning pattern that suggests heightened risk during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

"Our data shows that holiday weekends consistently create perfect opportunities for cargo thieves," says Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at Verisk CargoNet. "The days immediately following Memorial Day have historically seen elevated theft activity, likely because loaded trailers are often left unattended while businesses close for the holiday."

Memorial Day Holiday Period Thefts Increasing

CargoNet's analysis of 159 theft events occurring between the Thursday before Memorial Day and the Wednesday after Memorial Day over the past five years shows a troubling upward trend. While 2020 recorded 35 incidents and 2021 saw 28, the numbers climbed significantly in recent years with 41 events in 2023 and 39 in 2024.

"This steady increase mirrors the overall surge in cargo theft we've observed throughout the supply chain," explains Lewis. "What's particularly concerning is that 2025 has already shattered previous records, with our analysts now processing an average of 338 theft reports monthly compared to our historical average of 136 reports per month from 2013 through October 2022, before the current crime wave began."

3 Top States for Memorial Day Cargo Theft

California, Texas, and Florida remain the most targeted states for cargo theft during the Memorial Day period. At the county level, San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County in California, along with Dallas County in Texas, have experienced the highest concentration of Memorial Day holiday theft events over the five-year analysis period.

"What's notable about 2025 is how quickly cargo thieves have adapted their targeting strategies to focus on commodities that have seen recent surges in demand or value," notes Lewis. "Our data shows a significant shift toward copper, vehicle accessories, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, footwear, and meat products as primary targets this year."

The geographic distribution of theft activity in 2025 has concentrated around several major logistics hubs. Southern California continues to experience the highest volume of incidents, followed by the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the Chicagoland region, and the Phoenix metropolitan area.

"We're seeing increasingly sophisticated operations targeting these logistics hotspots," Lewis cautions. "Criminal organizations are well aware of where high-value shipments are most likely to be found and are exploiting vulnerabilities in these areas."

Implement Enhanced Security Protocols

CargoNet recommends that transportation companies, logistics providers, and retailers implement enhanced security protocols for the upcoming holiday period. 

This includes avoiding unsecured parking, scheduling strategically to minimize the time loaded trailers sit unattended, verifying all security systems are functioning properly, conducting security briefings with drivers and staff, reporting suspicious activity immediately, and implementing layered security measures such as high-security locks and GPS tracking devices.

"The combination of record-high theft rates and a major holiday weekend creates significant risk for the supply chain," Lewis concludes. "By understanding the patterns and implementing proactive security measures, companies can substantially reduce their vulnerability during this critical period."