Copper thieves target Rail Runner

From KOB-TV.com - By Sharon Erickson, KOB Eyewitness News 4 and Magdalena Sharpe, KOB.com - Rail Runner officials say a recent act of vandalism may have been an easy fix but could have led to major safety issues. Officials say four pieces of copper wire were ripped from the tracks Thursday morning alerting the trains signal system. The wires are used to send a low voltage signal to trains so without the signal trains were forced to run at restricted speeds of 20 miles per hour causing some major delays for early morning Rail Runner riders. Rail Runner official Augusta Meyers says the vandals could face federal charges. "This is a homeland security issue. If these people or person is discovered, that person could be charged under federal laws, because it affects the safety of the minute public when you are talking about public transportation," Meyers tells KOB Eyewitness News 4. The pieces of copper wire stolen cost about eight dollars a piece, so luckily repairs only cost around $30. read more

Copper thieves target Rail Runner