In a series of daring heists, thieves have stolen over $2 million worth of Nike sneakers from freight trains in the deserts of California and Arizona. The most notable incident occurred on January 13, 2025, when suspects cut an air brake hose on a BNSF freight train in Arizona, making off with 1,900 pairs of unreleased Nike sneakers, including the coveted Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4s. This theft is part of a troubling trend, with at least ten similar incidents targeting BNSF trains in the Mojave Desert since March 2024.
In another case, three men were arrested for stealing $311,832 worth of Air Jordan sneakers from a parked train in a ghost town in the Mojave Desert. The thieves transported 1,278 pairs of Air Jordan 11 Retros in a rented U-Haul truck to Anaheim, California. Their operation was thwarted when law enforcement tracked the stolen goods using a GPS tracker embedded by Nike.
Authorities have linked these thefts to organized criminal groups, including the Sinaloa Cartel. The cartel has been involved in stealing merchandise such as electronics, tools, and footwear from moving trains, using sophisticated methods to evade detection. These thefts not only result in significant financial losses but also pose safety risks, as tampering with train braking systems can lead to accidents.
In response to the rising thefts, law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to combat these crimes. Measures include increased surveillance, collaboration between agencies, and the use of technology to track stolen goods. The freight rail industry is also implementing enhanced security protocols to protect valuable cargo and ensure the safety of train operations.