Stolen packages and empty boxes litter LA train tracks as old-school crime makes a comeback

Train tracks in Los Angeles have been filled with empty boxes as thieves raid cargo containers filled with packages from Amazon and retailers.

Train tracks used for freight-transport in Los Angeles resembled a garbage dump last week, as thieves have been raiding cargo containers and leaving shipping packaging in their wake.

The screwy scene at a section of Union Pacific train tracks was captured by CBSLA – which also filmed an apparent thief darting from the area while carrying packages, the New York Post reports.

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Shredded boxes and packages are seen at a section of the Union Pacific train tracks in downtown Los Angeles.

The sea of scrapped cardboard contained discarded items from Amazon, REI and other popular retailers, the outlet reported.

Union Pacific acknowledged the “cargo thefts” in a statement to the news station and said they have taken steps to crack down on the crimes.

The LAPD doesn’t respond to train thefts, sources told CBSLA, unless the freight-company specifically requests help.

The tracks were littered with refuse this week, despite being cleared by Union Pacific workers about a month ago, the report said.

Thieves raided cargo trains at a section of the Union Pacific rail line.

Packages and debris litter train tracks in Los Angeles.

“These rail crimes pose a serious safety threat to the public, our employees and local law enforcement officers,” Union Pacific said in a statement to the outlet.

“We have increased the number of Union Pacific special agents on patrol, and we have utilized and explored additional technologies to help us combat this criminal activity.”

This comes as California grapples with a rash of smash-and-grab thefts across the state in recent months.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.