Some considerations
about tampering with seals and upon the "inexplicable" loss of goods
during tr |
The tampering of security seals is in itself a science worthy of study. There exists a criminal know-how that has been widely distributed throughout a sophisticated underground network. There are also dishonest opportunists who take advantage of a moment's inattention. The result in both cases is the tampering with the integrity of a closed unit and the pilferage of the goods contained therein. Only those who experience daily the problem caused by the various methods of tampering with seals have the knowledge how to counteract this criminal activity with a high degree of success. Of course, probably nothing can stop an experienced thief with unlimited time at his disposal, but there are means in existence to hinder the professional thief and impede acts of tampering. An efficient security system will also deter the opportunistic thief.
An efficient security system not only requires well trained and trustworthy staff but also a highly reliable seal, manufactured by companies who are at the forefront in the fight against cargo tampering and who understand the continually evolving and ever more ingenious methods used by thieves to steal cargo. This calls for continuous cooperation and partnership between the end users and the manufacturers of security seals in order to achieve the desired result, that is, the total integrity of cargo in transit.
On the part of the user of security seals, these recommendations need to be scrupulously observed:
A) Assign to a qualified person the responsibilities of registration, application and storage of all the types of seal used.
B) Keep accurate and up to date records of all shipments made and related information, the progressive number of the seal, the vehicle license plate number or the container matriculation number.
C) Annotate the date that the seal is broken at destination and the name of the operator at the time of opening.
D) After applying the seal so that the internal locking mechanism comes into play, the operator must ensure that pulling hard on the head locks the seal. This will confirm that the seal is locked and secure at the time of closure At destination, before breaking the seal, the operator must check if the seal itself has indentations or scratches, which would suggest tampering with the integrity of the seal. The head of the seal should be checked - if it opens easily, this again would suggest tampering. |
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