Here in Oroville, a number of years ago, thieves stole a 1/4 mile of railroad ties; at the time the metal wasn't worth anything, so they left that behind. Neighbors called the county sheriff, but they told them it was just old tie and never came out. At the time I was part of a motorcar club that was maintaining the line for the city in exchange for being allowed to run on it (about 3 or 4 miles of track). They took the 1/4 mile out of the center of the 'run' where they wouldn't be seen. Once I found out about it, and told the city, they became VERY interested, and then it was a "territory" question--whose jurisdiction? I helped them find the culprits, and the judge let them off with "retribution" which they raised by stealing copper wire! The track was never put back in, and just last year, the new City administration sold off the remaining trackage for salvage. It was all that remained of the 4rh oldest railroad in California--1864 California Northern. I think the city got about $20K out of the deal.
David D.