Railroads are prime targets for cargo theft, trespassing, and vandalism, but advanced surveillance and AI-driven security solutions can help deter and prevent crime.
The supply chain is the backbone of our nation’s economy. The transportation of freight, which includes goods and commodities, drives a $18.7 trillion industry. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an average of 55.5 million tons of freight are moved in the United States daily. Everything from building materials like lumber, stone, cement, and steel to agricultural goods like wheat, corn, and soybeans to everyday food items and paper goods all find their way from various points of origin to your local communities through the rail systems.
Trains are the second largest movers of commodities and goods (trailing only trucks) and are responsible for roughly $80 billion of the overall $18.7 trillion freight industry. However, unlike highways, the majority of the 140,000 miles of railroad tracks, railyards, and infrastructure are privately owned and operated.
With so many goods being transported on railways, it’s no wonder why trains and railroads have become such attractive targets for criminals.
Rail cargo theft is a booming business. In fact, in the last year alone, cargo theft on trains and in railyards has increased by 58%. According to the FBI, cargo theft involves large-scale targeting of supply chain and logistics industries and their reach can span the globe. They are highly coordinated and very profitable. Cargo heists can be coordinated by organized crime rings, but they can also be initiated by individuals looking for a quick score. And while theft can occur while goods are in transit, shipping containers are often left sitting in warehouses or on idle train cars, creating ample opportunities for bad actors to strike. After all, cargo at rest is cargo at risk.
Railyards often sit on vast areas of land that are sparsely populated. Many areas can be unsupervised, and both railyards and trains offer multiple points of entry, making them enticing targets for trespassers and vandals. These vulnerabilities are even greater at night when poor lighting and reduced visibility make security more challenging.
Unauthorized entry could lead to equipment and infrastructure damage as well as pose a serious safety concern for employees and those infiltrating the premises. According to the Federal Rail Administration (FRA), there were just under 7,000 railroad incidents last year that resulted in either physical injury or death, with the vast majority of them as a result of trespassing.
While illegally hitching a ride on a freight train or “train hopping” seems like an activity relegated to olden times, it still exists today. Stowaways often sneak and hide on freight trains as a means of transport or to cross borders. This can be a dangerous way to travel as some freight cars can lack the ability to control conditions like temperature or ventilation. In addition, cargo can potentially be unsecured creating unforeseen safety hazards including death.
With so much at stake, it’s no surprise that train and railyard operators are investing in advanced security measures like surveillance cameras and mobile security units to better protect their facilities.
Surveillance cameras can be integral in monitoring access points and establishing a secure perimeter or virtual fence. By having multiple cameras, you eliminate blind spots and unsupervised areas. Entry points are made more secure, and there are no longer any weak spots for unauthorized personnel to enter.
Surveillance cameras equipped with advanced technology can capture high-quality images even in low-light conditions. Thermal imaging takes this a step further by detecting heat signatures, revealing intruders who might otherwise remain hidden in the darkness.
The best way to combat crime is to prevent it before it happens. Surveillance cameras serve as powerful deterrents, signaling to bad actors that the premises are under watch. But modern cameras go beyond passive monitoring—they're equipped with advanced features designed to stop crime in its tracks. Integrated motion detection can identify unauthorized personnel and trigger automated responses like strobing lights, audible alarms, and two-way speakers to warn intruders. What was once a reactive tool is now a proactive defense system, actively thwarting potential threats.
One of the biggest advantages of today’s security cameras is the ability to log into a livestream of your camera feeds remotely from any device with an internet connection. This is a seamless and cost-effective way for your security team to continuously monitor events in real-time which leads to quicker and better targeted responses.
Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), surveillance cameras and security systems are getting more sophisticated. AI can analyze recorded criminal incidents, identify trends, and help pinpoint vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
Additionally, with license plate recognition and facial recognition, surveillance cameras can better identify perpetrators of crimes and look for repeat offenders.
When it comes to prosecuting criminals, the strength of the case is only as good as the evidence. Security cameras provide reliable evidence that can support or challenge eyewitness accounts, offering clarity in investigations. This evidence is also critical in creating an accurate timeline of events. Multiple cameras that provide different angles help tell a complete story of what happened. Furthermore, the ability to play back video recordings frame by frame can be invaluable to authorities investigating criminal activities that seemingly happen in the blink of an eye.
From miles of train tracks to the many connected freight cars and expansive railyard infrastructure, there are countless entry points for those looking to engage in illegal activities. Factor in poor lighting, harsh weather conditions, and geographical challenges that provide criminals with cover, and security can start to feel like it’s slipping away faster than a runaway train.
However, LiveView Technologies® (LVT) can provide proactive and protective guardrails in the form of surveillance solutions. From cameras to mobile security units, LVT can help deter and detect crime and defend railyards from trespassers, cargo thieves, and vandals. Reach out to see how LVT can help you protect your cargo, fortify your infrastructure, and secure your railyards.
