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Some considerations
about tampering with seals and upon the "inexplicable" loss of goods
during transit.
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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Luciano Grapsa
President of the
Leghorn Suppliers Company
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