Use case · Security
Protection against cargo theft while driving
Organised criminals open semi-trailers while the vehicle is moving and remove high-value cargo – often the loss is only noticed at the next stop or at the unloading point. With a special telematics box, the KONVOI system on the trailer, the driver app and the control centre connection, an attack is detected while it is happening and the right people are alerted.
Graphic: way4net GmbH
The challenge
Cargo theft from moving HGVs is not an isolated case. In the logistics industry, the method is also known as the “Romanian Robbery” or “surfer method”. A recent case from Spain shows how organised the criminals are: the Guardia Civil arrested ten members of a gang accused of eleven thefts between February and May 2026 – causing total damage of EUR 481,000. The largest single case involved tobacco products worth EUR 400,000. According to investigators, the network had support structures in France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The method: a modified vehicle drives alongside the selected HGV, preferably where the driver has to slow down – for example on inclines. One perpetrator climbs across, cuts open the semi-trailer's lock with an angle grinder, climbs in and passes the goods to an accomplice in the accompanying vehicle. Other cars slow down the following traffic to isolate the HGV. Everything happens while the vehicle is moving – the driver usually notices nothing.
Conventional tracking alone is not enough here: it shows where the HGV is, but not that the trailer is being opened. In addition, criminals can use jammers to suppress tracking and alerting via the mobile network. What is needed is a solution that detects attacks on the trailer itself, notices jammers and involves the driver, dispatch and security service without delay.
The solution
The solution combines four components via the way4safety platform:
Telematics box in the tractor unit – specifically designed for the requirements of security transports: real-time tracking and jamming detection with a warning directly in the vehicle.
KONVOI system on the trailer monitors the semi-trailer, detects attacks on the trailer and cargo, and distinguishes harmless events from genuine incidents.
way4fleet app for the driver informs the driver about events and is used to activate the secured transport.
Dispatch and control centre see the position and alarms in the way4safety Portal and work through the agreed action plan in the event of an incident.
How the system is structured
The tractor unit and trailer report to the way4safety platform. From there, the driver and dispatch are informed – and in the event of an incident, the control centre or security service as well.
Graphic: way4net GmbH
How an alarm is handled
Not every event is an attack. The system assesses what is happening at the vehicle and, depending on the situation, involves more parties – up to the control centre, which initiates the measures from the action plan.
Graphic: way4net GmbH
Course of a journey
Before departure: The driver activates the secured transport in the way4fleet app.
On the road: The vehicle and trailer are monitored; position and events are sent to the way4safety Portal.
In an emergency: The driver, dispatch and control centre are alerted, and the action plan takes effect.
After the journey: Events are documented and can be analysed.
Your benefits
Detect attacks while they are happening
Not only at the unloading point, but at the moment the trailer is attacked.
Detect jammers
The telematics box detects jamming and issues a warning directly in the vehicle.
Fewer false alarms
Events are assessed; dispatch and the control centre are only involved in the event of a genuine incident.
Clear action plan
In an emergency, everyone knows what to do – agreed between you, dispatch and the security service.
Protected when parked, too
The trailer remains secured even when stationary.
Components used
You can purchase or rent the hardware from way4net, as a package with the way4safety Portal.
Telematics box for security transports
Real-time tracking and jamming detection with a warning in the vehicle – selected for the requirements of your transport.
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KONVOI system
Trailer security from our partner KONVOI, connected to the way4safety platform.
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way4fleet app
Driver app: notification of events, activation of the secured transport.
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FAQ
Does the driver have to react while driving?
No. The way4fleet app informs the driver; dispatch and the control centre can react immediately.
What happens if a jammer is used?
The telematics box detects the jamming and issues a warning directly in the vehicle – even without a mobile network connection.
Is the trailer also protected when parked?
Yes. The KONVOI system also secures the trailer when it is stationary.
Can we integrate our own control centre?
Yes. Whether and how the alarms are connected to your control centre is something you clarify directly with your control centre operator. The control centre software insocam AM/Win, SEON and sitasys evalink is already supported. Without your own control centre, alarms can be connected to the alarm receiving centre of our partner WSH GmbH or – for example for cross-border transports – to the Bosch monitoring centre, a control centre with worldwide services. If your control centre operator uses different software, we will be happy to check the connection together with them. You define the action plan for alarms with your control centre operator or security service – and we will support you in doing so.
Who carries out the installation?
The telematics box is installed by installation partners, your workshop or, if required, way4net. The KONVOI system is fitted by trained KONVOI mechanics.
Note
Solution concept by way4net; components and processes are tailored to your transports and your action plan. Device data according to manufacturer specifications. Source for the case study: trans.info: Guardia Civil stops gang – cargo theft from moving HGVs across Europe.
Get in touch – we will put the solution together, and you can test it for 14 days.
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Talk to us about your requirements. We will put together a suitable solution that you can test for 14 days. Prices are quoted individually based on scope and requirements.
Available Mon–Thu 09:00–17:00 and Fri 09:00–15:00.
