Warehouse Theft | Inventory Crime

The Duisburg Port is one of the world’s most important inland ports and has developed into a stable business location. Around 230 companies are represented here, including fifty new establishments over the past ten years. Thousands of jobs are directly and indirectly linked to the port. The public port area covers approximately 1,000 hectares, with 22 port basins, 180 hectares of water, and 40 kilometres of quayside, some with rail connections. A unique feature is that the Duisburg inland port also functions as a seaport, accessible to coastal cargo ships.

The tri-modal transport concept proves its value, as goods transported via water, road, and rail achieve a total cargo throughput in Duisburg of 50.5 million tonnes, of which 15.6 million tonnes alone were handled at Duisburg Port (figures from 2013). However, this extensive area, the variety of industries, and the large workforce of port and warehouse employees also create opportunities for theft – a risk our detectives at Kurtz Detective Agency Duisburg frequently encounter.

Swapping a Lawnmower for a Hedge Trimmer

Even monitoring warehouse employees on-site can be challenging for business owners. When the warehouse is kilometres away, preventing theft becomes even more difficult. Unscrupulous individuals know how to exploit these circumstances, often shamelessly. How can one prove that the shipment was complete or intact upon arrival? From USB sticks to plasma TVs, almost anything can be sold or exchanged. It is not uncommon for one employee to swap goods with another – for example, an employee from “Rasenmäher GmbH” exchanging items with someone from “Kettensägen AG” to obtain the equipment they need. Just as the logistics industry thrives in Duisburg, so does criminal activity involving theft and embezzlement of company property.

If there is even the slightest suspicion that a warehouse employee is misappropriating property, selling it (handling stolen goods), or exchanging it for personal gain (goods or benefits), contact the commercial investigators at Kurtz Detective Agency Duisburg immediately: +49 203 3196 0052.

Embedded Detective – An Effective Investigation Tactic

While observing a suspect in an on-site warehouse is usually straightforward, external warehouses often require a different approach. In such cases, embedding one of our Duisburg detectives as a warehouse employee is highly effective. The detective works alongside the suspect, building professional and personal contact, enabling comprehensive observation and questioning. All investigative findings and observations are documented to provide legally admissible evidence. Do not hesitate to seek a non-binding consultation with our commercial investigators in Duisburg by phone or via email at kontakt@kurtz-detektei-duisburg.de.