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BNSF cracks down on train burglars
The railroads are a playground. The entire boxcar fleet (90,000 cars) covered in graffiti sends the message that we tolerate and encourage trespassing. Its no wonder stealing is not more prevalent…After all, nobody appears to be on the property nor gives a hoot.
Since some of them flee to Mexico, guess we have plenty of illegals here seeking " economic opportunities"
Hope Donald Trump will build that wall and High
Not to mention the danger these activities present to train crews. Doors left open can swing out and hit locomotive cabs and has happened numerous times. Also cargo from trailers and containers left open can fall off a moving train. As an engineer I have assisted trains in the past in closing doors and it is amazing how badly one train can be hit.
Kudos for the BNSF and their Crime Unit. Unfortunately, as the Trains Magazine article stated, “theft from railroads is a growing problem.” The railroads need to bring back refurbished cabooses with their police forces (and a German Sheppard or two) riding along with intermodal trains, and do a walk along the train when in a siding so the thieves can be apprehended. SP did this when they hauled the automobile shipments, riding along in a refurbished baggage car. A more costly alternative would be to put those super bright sun lamps on each siding and automatically set to operate when a train pulls into the siding, especially at night.
Good point Jim. If they can paint all night undetected , what else could they do if they wanted.?
Sabotage or steal anything and every thing that is not spiked down…
Does “Burglarize” mean “burgle”? It sounds to me an ugly, cumbersome expansion of a simple English word!