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METH USERS TARGET RAILWAY IRON FOR THEFTS
Wednesday, February 8th, 2006 -- 2:47 pm
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
 Law enforcement agencies around the upper Midwest are increasingly on the lookout for meth use, and one of its main byproducts: crime. And now, at least one railroad company is asking for increased law enforcement vigilance for meth-connected thefts from railways.
In an alert sent to law enforcement agencies around the state, Canadian National Railway reports suffering a “high number” of thefts of track materials from Western Wisconsin in recent weeks.
The alert says suspects in recent cases have been methamphetamine users or distributors who are apparently selling the material for scrap to raise funds for their habit.
Wisconsin has over 3,600 miles of railroad tracks – with a crucial segment of the Canadian National line running from Spencer through Owen.
Canadian National has so far refused comment on the alert and whether the thefts may compromise the safety of their trains. We hope to have more on this story later this week.
WQOW-TV in Eau Claire reports meth users have recently been caught stealing big-ticket items to pay for their habit. Police say users in the area recently stole snowmobiles, four-wheelers, a golf cart and even a casket from a man’s garage.
As this problem grows, authorities recommend citizens take steps to reduce the risk of theft of their property. They say you shouldn't leave snowmobiles or ATV's out overnight and you should lock your garage and storage units.
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