News of US$1.7 million Sao Paulo warehouse hold-up alerts air shippers

A US$1.75 MILLION in consumer electronics was stolen from an airport cargo facility Sao Paulo, prompting global security service FreightWatch International to warn shippers, manufacturers and carriers to be extra-vigilant ahead of the holiday season when cargo thieves strike.

The company said a group of five armed men gained entry into the TAM Cargo warehouse in the Viracopos International Airport in Sao Paulo after subduing and locking up eight security guards in a room.

Brazil has recorded several multi-million dollar losses this year due to "warehouse invasions", according to FreightWatch, which warned that the beginning of the holiday shipping season has marked a rise in cargo theft.

"Concentrated efforts by cargo gangs targeting specific commodities that are popular during the holiday season, such as consumer electronics, consumer care goods and others, are already being felt.

"The increased supply chain volume heightens the value at risk across all points in the supply chain. Warehouse robberies typically are the largest value incidents due to the high volume of product stored in single location," the company said.