1500 time delay by copper theft along track

In total copper thieves hit last year 151 occasions. The first half, the counter 90.

In addition to the direct loss of 800,000 euros involving the theft itself also creates many indirect damage because more than 1,500 train services dropped out in 2015. This was because there was simply no more voltage on the overhead or because the interlocking tripped.

INFRARED CAMERAS
However, over several years has been a decline in the number of copper thefts and that is thanks ProRail according to some measures. For example, to reduce the number of thefts posted in many places fences. There are also nightly checks by security guards with dogs, our special investigating (BOA) and the police.

At several places along the trail are cameras with infrared and motion detectors. As copper thieves can be caught red-handed. Also the track neighbors lend a hand. They are called by ProRail to report suspicious situations.

ALUMINUM
Copper is the best material to conduct electricity. But where it can be replaced by aluminum. That is much less valuable and therefore less attractive to criminals. In several places in the Netherlands ProRail is engaged in the construction and renovation of stations and applied these replacement materials where possible. The copper which is still used has been treated with synthetic DNA so that the origin can be determined.

With the Ministry of Security and Justice, the metal and the prosecution is working ProRail to reduce copper theft. Thus, it has become mandatory for scrap metal businesses to ask for an identity card offering someone buyer.

The MRF distributes messages among scrap merchants when, for example, stolen copper artwork or urns from cemeteries. Moreover take greater account during the prosecution of the consequences that can cause copper theft for rail and travelers. That often means higher penalties.

By Editorial Metro: Photo: Reuters