Clean-up efforts are ongoing after a spate of train robberies in Los Angeles in recent weeks.
Shredded boxes have been strewn across freight railway lines with thieves breaking into containers and rummaging through parcels.
The worst-affected spot was along a railroad operated by freight company, Union Pacific.
Earlier this month, the repeated thefts led to Union Pacific announcing that it would be increasing fencing and security along the rail corridor.
"The thefts involve criminals trespassing on Union Pacific property, climbing aboard trains and breaking into customers' containers loaded with cargo, packages and merchandise destined to warehouse facilities around the country," Union Pacific's director-general of public affairs, Adrian Guerrero, said.
Mr Guerrero said rail thefts in Los Angeles County had increased by 160 per cent in the past year, with a major spike between October and December.
"In October 2021 alone, thefts from Union Pacific trains increased 356 per cent, compared to October 2020," he said.
The debris left on the side of the track led to a massive clean-up effort.
A statement from the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said the state's highway patrol would be offering more security.
"What happened on the Union Pacific Railroad in LA is unacceptable [and] those involved must be prosecuted," it said.
Along with more security and fencing, Union Pacific said it would also be using other technologies, including detection software and drone surveillance.
The organisation's chief administrative officer, Scott Moore, said the efforts put in place would reduce the number of robberies.
"We are confident these collective steps and partnerships will ensure we can safely and securely transport the products our communities rely upon," he said.
