WASHINGTON — There are no quick fixes to stem the $10 billion in goods stolen annually from U.S. port terminals, because the criminals who commit the thefts are highly organized and sophisticated, said Bonnie Green, a federal port official.
Green, the deputy maritime administrator of the Inland Waterways and Great Lakes Maritime Administration, presented a frank assessment of port security on March 21 during the spring conference of the American Association of Port Authorities.
She declined to comment on recommendations that are in the works by the Interagency Commission on Crime and Security at U.S. Seaports, saying, “it is not my intention to delve into their findings at this point.” The commission findings are due out soon, and are expected to emphasize agency coordination and cooperation in fighting cargo theft.
Members of the interagency commission include the expected federal departments as well as specialized help from Naval Intelligence and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. Their manpower and sophisticated surveillance technology have made them “important players” in fighting crime at ports, said Green.
For the full story, see the Apr. 3 print edition of Transport Topics. .
