The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two sophisticated cargo thefts linked to what authorities believe is an organized criminal network operating out of Southern California.
The first incident happened April 14 at a truck stop along I-40 in Ash Fork. Investigators say two Sprinter-style vans followed a semi-truck carrying high-value tech products from California. While the drivers were inside the store, the suspects entered the trailer and stole four pallets of merchandise in just 11 minutes. The loss is estimated between $150,000 and $175,000.
A second theft was reported April 20 after a burglarized BNSF railcar was discovered. Detectives say the methods used in both crimes appear connected.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to report suspicious activity near truck stops or rail lines. Also, anyone with information on Sprinter-style vans operating without license plates is asked to call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.