Tamper-Evident Tape: Safeguarding Goods from Point to Point

The Most Frightening Thought About Shipping Goods?

Cargo theft increased 49% in the first half of 2024. Seriously. Nearly 50% more incidents in the first six months of the year alone.

And here’s the worst part…

A majority of these thefts were easily preventable with the right security measures. And the most underrated (yet one of the most effective) options is right there waiting for you.

We’re talking about tamper evident tape solutions.

By the end of this, you will know:

Why Your Shipments Are Being Targeted
Tamper-Evident Tape and How It Works
Tamper-Evident Tape Solutions
The Hidden Benefits You Are Missing

Why Your Shipments Are Being Targeted

Let’s set the scene…

Criminal groups are no longer satisfied with stealing easy packages. Organized criminals are deliberately targeting high-value goods using increasingly sophisticated methods.

The statistics are scary to see:

23% of all cargo thefts are electronics. That’s almost a quarter of all incidents focusing on your most expensive products. And what’s even scarier is that the average value of goods lost per incident is $115,230 in 2024. That’s a staggering 83% more than the year before!

What most people do not realize is that…

Expensive tracking solutions and guard dogs are not the only solution to protect your goods. In fact, the first line of defense comes in the form of something much simpler.

Tamper-Evident Tape and How It Works

Think of tamper evident tape like a security guard that works 24/7. If a thief tries to open your package, the evidence of that attempt is immediately visible on the tape. It’s practically impossible to remove without leaving clear signs that the shipment has been tampered with.

Here’s why it’s important:

The majority of thieves and opportunists look for easy targets. Once they see that your package has tamper evident tape on it, they know any attempt to steal the goods will be 100% obvious. This psychological deterrent alone is enough to stop the majority of cargo thefts before they start.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg…

Tamper-Evident Tape Solutions

Not all tamper-evident tape is created equal. In the same way that you wouldn’t use a bike lock for your house, different tapes provide different levels of security.

Security Tape (Basic Security)

This is the entry-level tape solution for most businesses. When tampered with, this tape will show a “VOID” message on the packaging or leave clear signs of being tampered with. This is more than enough for general merchandise and low-risk items.

Destructible Tape (Intermediate Security)

If you need more security than standard security tape, destructible tapes are the answer. As the name suggests, these tapes are made with material that shatters or breaks apart once someone tries to remove it. It’s impossible to peel these tapes cleanly off the packaging.

Ultra-High Security Tape (Maximum Security)

These are the crème de la crème of the tamper-evident industry. These tapes are built with special materials and adhesives that make them impossible to open without 100% evidence. These are the toughest tamper-evident tapes in the industry.

Pretty crazy, right?

The Hidden Benefits You Are Missing

The majority of people only think that tamper-evident tape prevents cargo theft. But there are a ton of other benefits you are not aware of:

Chain of Custody Protection: Your tamper-evident tape acts as physical evidence in case someone in your supply chain tried to access your goods. This protects you from false claims by handlers and helps you identify weak links.

Customer Trust: Customers that receive products with intact tamper-evident seals know the contents have not been interfered with. This increases trust and lowers returns due to tampering suspicions.

Insurance Rates: Insurance companies provide better rates for packages with adequate tamper-evident protection. You get to save on premium costs.

Regulatory Compliance: Certain industries have tamper-evident packaging mandates. Having the right tape means you meet the requirements easily.

Choosing the Right Level of Protection

The number one mistake most people make is:

They either over-secure low-value items or under-secure high-value goods. Matching your tape to your level of risk is critical.

For general merchandise, security tape is more than enough. It deters casual tampering and provides evidence if someone tries to meddle with your goods.

Electronics and other valuable items should use destructible or ultra-high security tapes. The extra cost is minimal next to the value of what you’re shipping.

Pharmaceuticals or regulated products should always use the highest level of security tape. The regulations alone make this a no-brainer.

The Real-World Example

Let’s take a look at a real-world example to bring all of this home…

Suppose you’re shipping a batch of electronics that are worth $5,000. Basic packaging tape might cost you $0.50 per package. But if someone tampers with that package and your electronics are stolen, you’re out $5,000.

Compare that to using $2.00 of high-security tamper-evident tape. That’s a $1.50 premium that could save you thousands.

The math is pretty straightforward, right?

Implementation Is Easy

Implementing tamper-evident tape throughout your shipping operations is simple. You should start with your highest-value goods and work your way down.

Here are the steps to take:

Assess current risks – Which products are most likely to be stolen?
Select your tape level – Match the level of tape to the risk
Train your staff – Make sure everyone knows how to properly apply the tape
Monitor results – Keep an eye out for any thefts or attempted thefts

The best part is you will see results immediately. Thieves know the moment they see tamper-evident protection. Most will simply move on to look for a less-protected target.

The Final Take

Cargo theft is not something you want to gamble on these days. Cargo theft reached 3,625 incidents throughout North America in 2024. That’s nearly 1 incident per 30 minutes.

Protecting your shipments doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Tamper-evident tape solutions provide multi-layered security that deters theft, protects your supply chain, and gives your customers confidence in your goods.

The numbers don’t lie, cargo theft is skyrocketing and shows no sign of slowing. But with the right tamper-evident protection, you can keep your goods secure and your business profitable.

Remember: The best security system is one that stops problems before they start. And sometimes that is as simple as using the right tape.

Start with your most expensive products and work your way through your entire shipping operation. Your customers will appreciate the added security. Plus, your bottom line will thank you for the peace of mind.