LOGAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — SMS Rail Service, the New Jersey short line celebrated for its continuing use of Baldwin locomotives, has been hit by scrap thieves who stole some $135,000 in parts from locomotives and railcars.
NJ.com reports parts including high-voltage cables, motor cables, air brake equipment and brass wheel bearings were stolen from seven locomotives, a baggage car and a coach.
A police report says an employee monitoring security cameras spotted two men stealing equipment on Feb. 7; after confronting a man who admitted he was stealing and had a cart loaded with metal, the employee went to meet police. The suspect apparently fled and was not found by police searching the area. An employee assessing damage the next day reported the extent of the loss and told police he believed the thefts had occurred on multiple occasions over the preceding months.
Want to know more about SMS Rail Services operations? Watch the Taking Care of Business: SMS Rail Lines video, exclusively on Trains.com!
Really sucks.
Ouch.