A series of heists involving the theft of Nike sneakers from freight trains has emerged in California and Arizona. Investigators noted that thieves board trains, slash air brake hoses to halt operations, and steal sneakers, with losses estimated at nearly $2 million over at least ten incidents since March. Recent sneaker releases seem to be a motivating factor for these thefts. The criminals appear to scout trains for valuable items, often receiving tips from insiders, and employ follow vehicles to retrieve the goods after they are tossed off the halted trains.
The thieves stealthily board eastbound freight trains, slashing air brake hoses to halt freight services and then stealing high-value merchandise, particularly sneakers.
Investigators say at least 10 heists have occurred involving BNSF trains in California and Arizona, cumulatively stealing nearly $2 million in Nike sneakers.
Thieves often scout trains for high-value merchandise, sometimes tipped off by informants at warehouses, while the stolen goods are picked up by follow vehicles.
Recent shoe releases, including unreleased Nike models, have inspired extensive theft operations on freight trains, as evidenced by a recent $440,000 robbery.
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