Over $2 million worth of Nike shoes, including unreleased and highly-anticipated models, were stolen in a recent wave of organized train robberies in California and Arizona. According to reports and court documents, federal authorities made multiple arrests in connection with at least 10 heists that targeted Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway trains. Los Angeles Times.
Why Rail Cargo Security is Important
The brazenness of these thefts highlights the growing concern about cargo security on America’s vast, 1400-mile-long rail network. These crimes are of a large scale, and their sophistication is a challenge to both law enforcement agencies and shipping companies.
AAR estimates thefts rose by approximately 40% last year to reach 65,000 across the nation. The six biggest freight railroads of the US lost over $100 Million in equipment and stolen goods as a result of these incidents. The task of securing the rail network across the country is complex and requires collaboration among railroads, federal agencies, and law enforcement.
Sneaker Thefts: What we Know
On January 13th, thieves tampered the air brake hose of a BNSF train. The thieves were able to steal more than 1,900 unreleased Nike sneakers worth over $440,000. Nigel Sylvester Air Jordan 4s were among the merchandise stolen. They are scheduled to be released on March 14. The estimated retail price per pair is $225.
Due to this January theft, 11 individuals were charged with possession or receipt of goods that had been stolen during an interstate shipment. The eleven individuals have all denied any wrongdoing and remain in custody pending trial. Ten of the defendants were Mexican nationals who had entered the United States without permission. The remaining defendant was a Mexican national undergoing asylum procedures.
Another documented case is a theft that occurred near Hackberry in Arizona on November 20, where 180 pairs of Air Jordan 11 Retro Legend Blue shoes, which were then unreleased and valued at $41,400 each, was stolen. Other incidents near Kingman and Seligman in Arizona resulted to the theft of 612, 000 dollars worth of Nike merchandise and 8 arrests.
Cargo Theft in Industry Perspectives
Keith Lewis, Vice-President at Verisk CargoNet and Deputy sheriff, explains to the Los Angeles Times: The thieves scout the merchandise in rail lines parallel to Interstate 40. They board trains that are moving slowly, for example when changing tracks and opening container.
Brynna, Homeland Security Investigations Agent Special, gave insight into court affidavits. Cooke stating that “the loot is tossed off the train after it comes to a halt — either for a scheduled stop or because an air hose has been cut.”
In a recent statement, the Association of American Railroads stated that: One railroad said that “only about one in 10 thefts attempts leads to an arrest.” Another reported, “arresting a person the same five times on a single date.”
BNSF Railroad stated in a release to the press that: The company’s internal law enforcement shares relevant information as needed with the local police and prosecutors. It also stresses that its crews were instructed not to face thieves directly, but rather to report incidents.
The Challenge to Prevent Cargo Theft
Even though railroads have invested heavily in security, the challenge of preventing cargo theft on the vast 140,000 mile national rail network is still a difficult one. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, estimates cargo thefts in the US supply chain cause between $15 and $35 billion of annual losses.