TAPA, the Transport Asset Protection Association is an international body dedicated to the prevention of cargo crime. There are three primary TAPA branches: TAPA Americas, TAPA EMEA and TAPA APAC. Within these branches there are chapters in Mexico and South Africa.
HVTT (high value theft targeted) asset theft poses a major problem for many industries. Theft of electronics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, high-end foodstuffs, auto parts, building supplies and almost any other cargo of value is a daily event. This type of crime leads to lost revenue, compromised brand integrity and in some cases harm to consumers. While government programmes such as C-TPAT focus on keeping dangerous items out of the supply chain, TAPA focuses mainly on the issue of theft. However, because the concerns are interrelated, TAPA and government agencies work together in confronting these challenges.
The influence TAPA exerts has had a measurably positive impact in promoting standardisation and industry change to reduce cargo crime:
* Major freight handlers are joining TAPA or employing TAPA-recognised security standards for facility certification as well as for freight care and handling.
* TAPA has become a worldwide benchmark for security handling guidelines and practices.
* Business insurers are asking prospective customers about their security practices and specifically whether they hold TAPA certification.
* Government agencies include TAPA-endorsed standards in their development of homeland security initiatives.
The South African TAPA chapter is determined to further the adoption of international standards in transportation security in South Africa as well as Africa. The association recently held its 2014 TAPA SA Conference, which was well attended and hosted a number of quality presentations, noted below:
1. Overview of TAPA presented by Steve Mc Hugh, vice-chair TAPA EMEA.
2. Gert Pretorius, MD of Mix Telematics: Beam-E product to counter jamming devices used by criminals attacking high-value goods vehicles.
3. Brigadier Sonja De Klerk, section head, SA Police Forensics: CCTV evidence and criminal case evidence preparation for criminal court proceedings.
4. Brigadier Piet Pieterse, section head, SA Police Service: Cybercrime case study, exposing an organised crime syndicate and successful presentation to criminal court.
5. Marcel Saarloos, EMEA distribution security head for HP: Case study on movement of high-value commodities through vast distances (China to Europe) by railroad. There are unique challenges faced with different security requirements from country to country. One such movement takes up to six weeks to complete and preventing theft is an immense task.
At the same time, TAPA announced the TAPA SA committee members for 2014. These are:
1. Andre Du Venage - Secure Logistics (Chairman).
2. Massimo Carelle - Ingram Micro.
3. Steven Lashmar - TUV Rheinland.
4. Megan Storrier - HP.
5. Nico Harmse - BPL.
6. Liza Du Venage - Secure Logistics (Secretary).
For those interested in learning more about TAPA or attending training, please contact Andre Du Venage at the details below. Du Venage has confirmed that TAPA’s TSR (Transport Security Requirements) training will take place on 27 and 28 October 2014.
For more information, contact Andre Du Venage, Secure Logistics, +27 (0)83 463 2047, +27 (0)11 391 6268, andre.duvenage@securelogistics.co.za, www.securelogisticssa.co.za
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