US CARGO thefts fell 16 per cent between March and May, but the value of the average theft increased nine per cent to US$156,408, says a report by FreightWatch International.

Thefts declined by 16 per cent compared to the previous three month period with 79 thefts occurring in March, 44 in April and 62 in May, totalling 185 thefts, said the Texas-based security firm.

Food and drink, mostly meat, seafood, alcohol and prepared foods, were the main targets, followed by 21 thefts of pharmaceuticals, presenting 11 per cent, most of which were prescription drugs, vitamin supplements and medical supplies.

Thefts of electronic goods made up 10 per cent of the thefts amounting to 19 incidents including televisions, computers and computer accessories.

Three of four thefts happened in areas with unsecured parking, and 126 of the incidents involved truck trailers being stolen, accounting for 68 per cent of all thefts, said the FreightWatch study.