Inside the explosion of SoCal train robberies: cut brakes, handsaws and tens of millions in loot

Investigators say organised theft crews are increasingly stopping freight trains in Southern California to steal goods and sell them through online marketplaces. The alleged rise matters because the thefts can disrupt supply chains, particularly ahead of the Christmas shopping season, while many incidents may go unreported.

Investigators estimate that 25% to 40% of more than 65,000 annual US train heists take place in Southern California, with losses potentially reaching tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Crews reportedly use tips about valuable cargo, force trains to stop by cutting brake hoses, then remove goods such as shoes, clothing, tools and electronics; a recent case involved a million dollars’ worth of shoes.