FRA Certification Helpline: (216) 694-0240

(The following report appeared at Action3News.com on October 3.)

OMAHA, Neb. — A new crime trend may put your life in danger at railroad crossings. Metal thieves have hit homes, businesses and even cemeteries. Now their latest target may leave you without warnings at railroad crossings.

The thieving drug addicts are leaving railroad crossing signals in the dark.
“It’s happening enough that we are working with local authorities to help monitor our tracks,” says James Barnes with the Union Pacific Railroad.

Meth heads and crack addicts, strip copper wiring from the devices designed to keep you and your family alive.

“It’s just like if you steal a stop sign, somebody could get killed you know.”
Selling the copper in crossing signals, police say, helps keep drug users high.

The damage left behind Union Pacific says, puts people at risk.
“It demonstrates a total disregard not only for their own safety, but for the public safety.”

“Everybody gets screwed. Then the person who’s doing the drugs gets screwed cause in the end they’re just going to die from it cause it’s all poison you know,” says Keith Spangler, with L & K Scrap Metal.

He buys copper at his scrap yard, for 3.10 a pound. If he buys stolen copper he says and police catch the seller, he’s left with nothing.
“I don’t know if we are going to be out the money or what yet.”

The thefts hurt wallets and public welfare. Signals we count on keeping us safe, the latest victims of greedy criminals.

“When I’m riding my motorcycle I feel like I want the sign to work. I don’t want to get run over,” says Spangler.

It’s a federal offense to tamper with any railroad property. Union Pacific says they will prosecute anyone caught. They also want the publics help. If you see any unmarked cars or suspicious activity near railroad tracks, call 911.