Organized Train Heists Targeting Nike Sneakers in California and Arizona Continue

A string of sophisticated heists targeting BNSF freight trains in California and Arizona has resulted in the theft of nearly $2 million worth of Nike sneakers. Thieves hide onboard eastbound trains, sabotage air brake hoses to force emergency stops in remote areas, and then unload high-value shipments. Investigators believe the criminals are part of transnational theft rings, sometimes receiving insider information about valuable cargo.

Authorities have made multiple arrests, including the alleged ringleader, Felipe Arturo Avalos-Mejia, who was taken into custody in June after years of orchestrating train burglaries. Despite these efforts, the thefts continue, with recent incidents in Arizona and California netting hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen sneakers. Many of the stolen goods are later sold online through third-party resellers.

Industry experts estimate that rail cargo thefts surged by 40% in 2024, costing major rail companies over $100 million. Law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security and local sheriffs, are intensifying their efforts to crack down on these organized theft rings. However, the criminals’ ability to adapt their tactics and evade detection remains a challenge.