Polish freight transport company PKP Cargo is set to launch drones to prevent coal theft during transportation.
Using drones equipped with several cameras, PKP Cargo will be capable of monitoring its shipments regardless of the time and weather conditions.
Go deeper with GlobalData
PKP Cargo head of security and audit office Maciej Borecki said: "Pilferage of bulk commodities when moved by our company is a phenomenon we have been tackling for many years, and ensuing losses amount to as much as several million zlotys a year.
"In order to reduce the scale of this crime, this year we have decided to step up preventive measures and use the latest technologies."
Currently, the company is working with Railroad Guards Service and the police to reduce pilferages of transported solid fuels.
A special threat prevention task force was also established this year, which operates mainly in the Silesian region, one of the most vulnerable locations in Europe.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataIn addition, the cargo company has organised cyclical preventive campaigns in collaboration with specially trained response teams from the Railroad Guards Service.
Until October, PKP has witnessed almost 900 instances of coal theft this year and an estimated loss of more than 8,000t of coal and over zl4m ($1.19m).
However, the company said that they have reduced the number of accidents during this period as a result of the measures taken.
Borecki added: "Only in the period between January and October, we managed to reduce losses related to thefts of solid fuels by over 20% in terms of the number of incidents, quantities of stolen coal and their value.
"I am convinced that measures we have currently launched will allow us to reduce this criminal activity even further."
Image: The drones equipped with different types of cameras will carry out aerial surveillance of the shipments. Photo: courtesy of PKP Cargo.
