A community response to cargo thefts at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

A quick response by Dutch Police led to the arrests of suspects believed to be linked to a theft of €19.3 million of phones and computer tablets from a warehouse facility at Amsterdam Schiphol at the start of January 2024 – the latest in a series of high-value, seven-figure cargo thefts at Schiphol.

These thefts damage the image of Schiphol and the cargo sector and endanger employees. The problems are now widely acknowledged and high on the agenda of the business community. Companies and governmental organisations – Customs, Military Police, and the Public Prosecutor – are putting even more time and energy into reducing risks to cargo operations and supply chains, but the approach is fragmented. Now, the air cargo sector has taken the initiative to gain a greater understanding of the problem and to establish more resilient process, people, and systems barriers to prevent thefts from occurring.

At the forefront of this initiative is ACN, Air Cargo Netherlands, the national trade Association for the airfreight industry representing airports, airlines, freight forwarders, ground handling companies, air cargo truckers, general sales agents, and business service providers, such as banks, insurers, trainers, consultancy firms, employment agencies, and security companies. This presentation looks at the community’s plan and progress in tackling cargo crime.