Organized criminal gangs have been stealing high-value Nike sneakers from freight trains in the Mojave Desert. This organized crime has raised concerns about safety and security as thefts continue to escalate.
• The targeted trains belong to BNSF and are located along the California-Arizona corridor, focusing on double-stack container cars.
• Since March, there have been at least ten major thefts, with over $2 million in Nike sneakers stolen, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
• A significant incident occurred on January 13, where thieves cut a brake hose to unload nearly 2,000 pairs of unreleased Nike sneakers worth over $440,000.
• Theft crews scout for valuable merchandise and board slow-moving trains, using tools like reciprocating saws to cut into containers.
• Thieves are often informed about valuable shipments by accomplices at warehouses or trucking companies.
• Once they identify their target, they use "follow vehicles" to track trains and remove stolen goods at a halt.
Railroad thefts have surged, costing railroads approximately $100 million in 2024 alone. The involvement of organized criminal groups, primarily linked to Mexican cartels, has prompted authorities, including President Trump, to consider military deployment to secure the border and combat ongoing illegal activities.
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