Re: More Fallout from Northern Arizona Train Burglary(ies)
Author: Rick
Date: 05-02-2010 - 23:15
Just curious. How many of you have actually worked on the railroad? I have for over 41 years and I can personally confirm that people (not just illegals) ride along side the tracks and vandalize the train. I have witnessed it first hand. On more than one occasion. In town, outside of town and all over the place. People that live next to the tracks with a siding know that they can put a piece of metal over the tracks and stop the train. But what they like to do is wait for the tran to take the siding for an approaching train. They vandalize the trains when they are stopped. They take anything they can find. Anything. If the train starts moving, they hop off and leave the merchandise inside the car or container with the doors open. Stuff falls out till it is found open. Sometimes, they will have someone inside the car that is open, and as the train is moving slowly, they throw stuff out onto the right of way where it is picked up by someone in a truck driving down the same road next to the tracks! Now, how many of you use the roads next to the tracks to foam the area? Well, guess what? SO DO THE BAD GUYS!! That is probably why the railroad police and the local police or sheriff is watching and stopping anyone found on the road. Bottom line-be very careful when you are out along the tracks. If you see someone stealing from a stopped train, TURN AROUND AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!! After you are a distance away, THEN call the police or the railroad and report it! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THESE PEOPLE! THEY CAN KILL YOU AND LEAVE YOU THERE! I used to work in the yard at night. More than once I encountered someone stealing from a car in the yard. I simply "detoured" around them and continued doing my job. Once clear, I notified the Yard Master and HE called the cops. Again, don't try to be a hero. Do it the safe way. Stay safe out there. Most railroaders don't hate you guys, unless you become the problem. They they will make it miserable for not only you, but the next foamers they find too. Trust me, I know what I am talking about here. Thanks for reading this!