February 25, 2025
Why would I want to put my own dirty laundry on the street? If I show a theft trend going along a rail line, everybody’s going to know the railroad has a problem.
VP at Verisk’s CargoNet and deputy sheriff in Arizona, Keith Lewis, explaining why he wanted to keep the latest train theefts quiet. Details continue to slowly emerge as authorities continue to investigate and make arrests.
Why It Matters: At least 10 heists have occurred since last March in which thieves have stolen more than $2 million worth of Nike sneakers, many of which have yet to release on the retail market. Thefts from cargo trains have increased by 40% since 2023. But because railroads don’t publicize all thefts (mostly just those in which an arrest has been made), figures are likely higher.
- The Nike thefts have mostly taken place in the Mojave Desert, a long stretch of railroad that poses little interference. Many other railroad crimes also take place in remote places.
- Authorities arrested 11 people connected to a Nike heist that took place on Jan. 13, charging them with “possessing or receiving goods from interstate shipment.” (AP) All 11 pleaded not guilty and will be detained until trial. Ten of the individuals are from Mexico and in the U.S. illegally; one of the individuals is in asylum proceedings.
Read More: Thieves targeting freight trains in California and Arizona deserts make off with $2M worth of Nikes (The Associated Press)
Inside the Mojave Desert train heists targeting Nike sneakers (The Los Angeles Times)
Image Credit: Domino Studio on Unsplash
by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
