
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Port of Baltimore is using innovative inspection methods to prevent stolen vehicles from being exported, but the challenge remains daunting.
At a Glance
- CBP inspects hundreds of vehicles daily at the Port of Baltimore, intercepting stolen cars bound for export.
- 90-95% of intercepted stolen vehicles are destined for West Africa.
- X-ray technology and container weight analysis are used to identify stolen vehicles.
- Car thefts in New Jersey have decreased by 26% due to enhanced law enforcement efforts.
- The Department of Homeland Security has created an Auto Export Crimes Task Force to combat the issue.
CBP’s Challenging Task at Sparrows Point
At Sparrows Point, Maryland, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) faces the formidable challenge of inspecting vehicles scheduled for export to intercept stolen cars. The sheer volume of shipments and the sophisticated methods employed by thieves to disguise stolen automobiles compound this task. Many of these vehicles are destined for West Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, highlighting the global nature of this illicit trade.
CBP officers at the Port of Baltimore inspect several hundred vehicles daily, on average finding one illegal export. The majority of these intercepted vehicles are headed to West Africa, as Adam Rottman, a CBP official, states, “I’d say 90 to 95% of every one of our stolen automobiles is headed to West Africa.”
Innovative Inspection Methods
To combat this growing trend of auto theft, CBP is utilizing cutting-edge technology and techniques. X-ray technology has become a crucial tool in their arsenal, allowing officers to scan vehicles quickly and efficiently. Additionally, intelligence teams at ports like Newark examine container weights to identify potential stolen vehicles, demonstrating the evolving nature of their inspection methods.
Common methods used by thieves include fraudulent purchases and using fake vehicle identification numbers (VINs). This sophistication in criminal tactics necessitates equally advanced countermeasures from law enforcement agencies.
Coordinated Efforts and Task Forces
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recognized the severity of this issue and has taken significant steps to address it. DHS Secretary Mayorkas described auto theft as “clearly a homeland security issue,” underscoring the federal government’s commitment to tackling this problem. In response, DHS has created an Auto Export Crimes Task Force and increased partnerships and information sharing among various law enforcement agencies.
These efforts have yielded positive results. For instance, car thefts in New Jersey have decreased by 26% this year due to DHS actions, improved law enforcement efforts, and enhanced information sharing. At Port Newark, 80% of stolen vehicles are recovered or dismantled, while 20% are attempted to be exported, demonstrating the effectiveness of these coordinated efforts.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite these successes, the fight against auto theft and illegal vehicle exportation remains an ongoing challenge. The global nature of this crime, coupled with the varying levels of cooperation from international governments, presents significant obstacles. As Alex Piquero notes, “Some governments will play nicer, and other governments won’t, and you can’t search every container. And that’s why the security at the port is so critically important.”
As CBP continues to refine its methods and expand its capabilities, the battle against stolen vehicle exportation will likely intensify. The use of advanced technologies, increased international cooperation, and continued vigilance at our ports will be crucial in curbing this illicit trade and protecting American citizens from the far-reaching consequences of auto theft.