Thieves have targeted freight trains running through the deserts of California and Arizona, resulting in the theft of over $2 million worth of new Nike sneakers, including many that haven’t yet been released to the retail market. In a January 13 robbery, suspects cut an air brake hose on a BNSF freight train in a remote Arizona section, stealing over 1,900 pairs of unreleased Nikes worth more than $440,000. This was one of at least 10 heists targeting BNSF trains in remote Mojave Desert areas since last March. Eleven individuals were charged in the January 13 burglary with possessing or receiving goods stolen from interstate shipment. All 11 pleaded not guilty and were detained until trial. The suspects were caught with the help of tracking devices inside some boxes. Thieves typically scout merchandise on rail lines parallel to Interstate 40, sometimes receiving tips from associates in warehouses or trucking companies. Cargo train thefts cost the nation’s six largest freight railroads over $100 million last year. Railroads have invested millions in prevention measures, but they cannot easily restrict access to over 140,000 miles of track. The rail trade group calls for increased federal enforcement and tougher penalties to deter thefts. Cargo thefts result in $15 billion to $35 billion in losses annually.
