JERSEY CITY, N.J., Feb. 9, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Union City, New Jersey, Police Department (UCPD) recently used the CargoNet® system to apprehend criminals associated with cargo theft. Verisk Analytics is a leading provider of information about risk to professionals in insurance, healthcare, mortgage, government, and risk management.
During a routine traffic stop, a UCPD officer uncovered a cache of LCD televisions. Suspecting that the TVs were stolen, the UCPD confiscated them and started an undercover investigation. As part of the operation, detectives issued an alert through the CargoNet Critical Reach system (a.k.a. TRACK). Upon receipt of the TRACK alert and the television serial numbers, CargoNet's command center uploaded the data into the CargoNet system.
A few days later, the CargoNet database filters identified a claim made by one of its charter member insurance companies that matched the make and quantity of the suspicious product held by the UCPD. Using the theft information issued with the insurance claim, CargoNet analysts contacted the trucking company to whom the theft occurred to verify the incident. CargoNet also contacted the television manufacturer to obtain product serial numbers and confirm that the items held by the UCPD were in fact stolen and related to the crime. They were.
The insurance company was then able to contact the UCPD, and the televisions were picked up at a later date. The individuals apprehended by the UCPD will stand trial in the near future.
"We're excited about having a proven, reliable, and valuable resource like CargoNet available to law enforcement when conducting these types of investigations," said Captain Brian Barrett, commander of the Criminal Investigative Bureau of the Union City Police Department. "By calling CargoNet, we were able to save a significant amount of time because within a matter of hours CargoNet was able to connect all the dots between the theft victim, the victim's insurance company, and law enforcement," added Barrett. "CargoNet's assistance allowed our police supervisors and case managers to reallocate precious investigative resources to other pressing tasks."
Union City is a diversified community located in Hudson County, New Jersey, with its share of big-city issues. With approximately 70,000 residents in an area of approximately one and a quarter square miles, it is the most densely populated city in the country. The Union City Police Department has more than 160 sworn members assigned to patrol, investigative, and specialty units (such as emergency services, narcotics task force, and gang suppression) and handles more than 100,000 calls for service each year. The Detective Bureau uses virtually all currently available resources and techniques, including DNA collection, advanced crime scene technology, and computer forensics.
About CargoNet
A division of Verisk's ISO Crime Analytics unit, CargoNet® helps prevent cargo theft and increases recovery rates through secure and controlled information sharing between theft victims, their business partners, and law enforcement. CargoNet is centered on a national database and information-sharing system managed by crime analysts and subject-matter experts. Working closely with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, CargoNet applies an integrated, layered approach that exploits the weakness of cargo thieves at multiple points and includes integrated databases, a theft alert system, task force and investigations support, a tractor/trailer theft deterrence program, the TruckStopWatch® program, driver education and incentives, secondary-market monitoring and interdictions, crime trend analysis and loss control services, and training and education. More information on CargoNet can be found at www.cargonet.com.
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