A series of audacious heists targeting freight trains carrying Nike sneakers through the deserts of California and Arizona have resulted in over $2 million worth of merchandise being stolen. Thieves have been targeting BNSF trains in remote areas of the Mojave Desert since last March, with most thefts resulting in the loss of valuable Nike sneakers.
In a recent case on Jan. 13, suspects cut an air brake hose on a BNSF train in Arizona and made off with over 1,900 pairs of unreleased Nike sneakers worth $440,000. Eleven people were charged in connection with the theft, 10 of whom were Mexicans in the U.S. illegally. Authorities have noted an increase in organized and sophisticated thefts from cargo trains in recent years, costing the industry more than $100 million last year.
Experts believe these thefts are orchestrated by organized groups who scout valuable merchandise on rail lines, often with the help of insider information. Railroads have implemented security measures, but federal enforcement and tougher penalties are needed to combat the issue. Cargo thefts from trains, trucks, and ships are a significant problem nationwide, with losses estimated to be between $15 billion and $35 billion annually.
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