The top five trends in logistic hubs security worldwide using mobile surveillance towers

Global logistic hubs security are under mounting pressure as cargo theft reaches record levels. In 2025 alone, Europe recorded over €724 million in freight theft losses, particularly affecting countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. Organized crime groups now exploit insider access, cyber tactics, and fraudulent documentation to breach security at ports, distribution centers, and airports. To regain control and bolster the resilience of these complex sites, logistics operators and security providers increasingly rely on mobile surveillance towers to provide advanced security solutions for logistics hubs.

Here are some cargo theft statistics from 2025

Cargo theft escalated across all continents, with logistics hubs being among the most affected. According to industry reports, the EMEA region experienced an almost 700% year-over-year increase in theft-related incidents, primarily due to increased targeting of ports and road freight near distribution centers. The global loss estimate from cargo crime surpassed €2.5 billion in 2025. The most targeted goods were electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals. In North America, theft enabled by insiders and spoofed pickups dominated. In Asia, tampering and fraudulent documentation continued to challenge operators. These figures underscore the growing complexity of theft prevention in global logistics hubs, especially in transit and cross-dock environments where temporary site surveillance is often fragmented or insufficient.

Mobile surveillance towers for ports and airports are growing in popularity.

Ports and airports have large footprints with constant vehicle and cargo movement. Mobile surveillance towers provide unmatched flexibility in these environments. Site managers can deploy them where visibility is limited or threats emerge. With mast heights reaching six meters, these towers deliver panoramic coverage and can endure harsh, high-traffic environments thanks to their galvanized steel construction. Their rapid setup suits seasonal peaks and layout shifts, making them ideal for preventing airport cargo theft in 2025.

There has been a shift from manned guarding to technology-enhanced monitoring.

Rising labor costs and advanced theft methods have accelerated this transition. Mobile CCTV towers for logistics operators now work seamlessly with remote monitoring centers, delivering real-time alerts and enabling swift responses. Equipped with sirens, floodlights, and loudspeakers, these towers extend the presence of security teams and support proactive audio warnings. This hybrid model enhances site coverage and reduces overhead costs, a crucial benefit for budget-sensitive logistics hubs.

Perimeter protection and early detection are essential in freight terminals.

The vast scale and open-access nature of logistics zones make them vulnerable to perimeter breaches. Therefore, perimeter protection for freight terminals has become a top priority. Towers fitted with AI-enhanced and thermal imaging cameras can detect intrusions in the dark and in adverse weather conditions. Their elevated surveillance platform minimizes blind spots and ensures 360-degree coverage, enabling operators to respond swiftly. This setup strengthens remote monitoring for airport security and improves threat detection across multi-entry zones.

Fuel cell-powered surveillance towers and off-grid energy use

Many logistics operations span infrastructure-limited or remote zones within ports and distribution centers. Fuel cell-powered surveillance towers backed by solar panels and battery systems provide continuous off-grid surveillance, eliminating the need for mains electricity. These eco-efficient systems operate in all weather conditions, reducing emissions and energy costs. This approach provides uninterrupted coverage and is becoming increasingly vital for the security of logistics hubs in an ever-changing operational landscape.

Customization and branding in integrated logistics security

Security is now a visible part of the logistics brand. Telescopic mast towers allow for branding on all four sides, turning surveillance into a visual deterrent. Operators can customize each unit with a speaker setup, camera array, and VMS integration to address specific threats. These towers adapt easily to each site’s layout, helping logistics companies implement cohesive security solutions that align with their brand and performance goals.

What do these trends mean for security providers and logistics operators?

As global cargo threats increase, mobile cargo security towers have become essential to the security strategies of modern logistics hubs. They provide scalable, visible, and flexible protection for valuable goods. Security providers can introduce new service models with recurring revenue, and logistics operators can achieve cost-effective, proactive site defense. In an increasingly volatile world, these towers help secure assets, reduce loss, and build trust across the logistics chain.

References

  1. Cargo theft tactics and trend report 2025 : the evolving threat of cargo theft / Munich RE, March 26, 2025

Further reading

Articles about securing logistics hubs