Mississippi Legislation Targets Cargo Theft

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Mississippi legislature recently considered two bills that would create a specific offense for cargo theft. House Bill 722, introduced by Representative Steve Massengill (R-District 13), and Senate Bill 2184, introduced by Senator Dennis DeBar, Jr. (R-District 43), recognize the impact that cargo theft has across the entire socio-economic spectrum. The proposed legislation creates law specific to cargo theft from a railcar, commercial trailer, semitrailer, fifth wheel or container and includes substantial penalties upon conviction.

Cargo theft is a major national crime problem which adds to the cost of merchandise, food and transportation, the NICB stated in a press release notifying the industry of the new legislation. Stolen food and pharmaceuticals pose a health hazard, and along with electronics, continue to be favored targets among cargo thieves.

While House Bill 722 continues to pend, Senate Bill 2184 was killed in committee.

Source: NICB