DIEPPE, NB — A recent incident has the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) wondering if law enforcement is doing its job when it comes to cargo theft.

The APTA pointed to a recent incident of cargo theft in which the carrier contacted law enforcement but received a less than helpful response: "Aren't you insured?"

According to the APTA, the carrier called the authorities a second time, who said nothing could be done and then hung up on the carrier.

“Cargo theft is a problem and it will continue to worsen," said Jean Marc Picard, executive director of APTA. "The rate of thefts is climbing and this incident is evidence that New Brunswick is becoming a target for these individuals or groups that are stealing trailers.

“What is disturbing about the whole situation is that the authorities have completely turned a blind eye on these latest theft”, Picard said.

The APTA pointed to the often-repeated advice from law enforcement that recommeneds reporting stolen loads immediately "but in this case the response was unacceptable."

“This is a huge concern for the industry; we should be working in partnership with the local authorities," Picard said.

The trailers have since been recovered — empty, of course — in the province of Quebec. The company victimized hired a private investigator to help relocate their freight, APTA said.