Thieves steal several level crossing gates from Sligo line.

Run_to_da_hills

"Thieves have stolen seven gates from railway level crossings in the northwest.

The 4.3m by 1.5m steel barriers were taken from junctions at Clonloo, near Boyle, Co Roscommon and Culfadda, near Ballymote, Co Sligo.

They were noticed missing early on Sunday morning and Iarnród Éireann workers moved quickly to secure the unprotected openings.

Iarnród Éireann spokeswoman Jane Cregan said the removal posed a big threat to lives".

I hope these idiots achieve some future Darwin award.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0831/breaking31.html

foggy_lad

Could this be trainspotters gone mad stealing parts of the railway(like those that collect old signals etc) or just scumbag criminals like those who were recently stealing the cables from the signalling?

Whatever their reasons a pretty stupid thing to do!

Run_to_da_hills

foggy_lad wrote: »

Could this be trainspotters gone mad stealing parts of the railway(like those that collect old signals etc) or just scumbag criminals like those who were recently stealing the cables from the signalling?

Whatever their reasons a pretty stupid thing to do!

I would guess they were promptly thrown into the rear of a Toyota Hiace or low roof Ford Transit van, no train spotter in their right mind would do anything of such recklessness. What ever sctap dealer that accepts such merchandice should be equally charged with endangerment.

dowlingm

Is there CCTV coverage that far up the line?

I doubt this was souvenir hunters - this was well coordinated since they managed to make off with so many before the alarm was raised. Crossing gates are pretty distinctive too - hopefully the 5-0 will get some leads from scrap dealers.

bg07

I would imagine that it was the gates from a private crossing that were taken which are generally standard tubular steel gates. The type of gate shown in the article picture is mainly made of wood. A certain group of people are well known for stealing farmers’ gates and then trying to sell them to the farmer down the road.

Judgement Day

dowlingm wrote: »

Is there CCTV coverage that far up the line?

I doubt this was souvenir hunters - this was well coordinated since they managed to make off with so many before the alarm was raised. Crossing gates are pretty distinctive too - hopefully the 5-0 will get some leads from scrap dealers.

I doubt very much any scrap dealer who wants to stay in business will report any of his suppliers. I had to laugh recently when I heard a County Donegal scrapdealer being interviewed saying he had CCTV covering his yard, looked for proof of ID, and took reg.numbers......Things must have changed since I sold scrap - you took in your load, got paid cash and could sign Donald Duck on the receipt and nobody gave a damn. You should get out a bit more dowlingm.

mikemac

Ballyhaunis is a bit far away from Boyle but maybe some of their relations were involved

Run_to_da_hills

They could be using these gates to fortify their camp in England.

Judgement Day

Carpet bombing - it's the only answer but then again they would probably try and catch the carpets.

charlemont

foggy_lad wrote: »

Could this be trainspotters gone mad stealing parts of the railway(like those that collect old signals etc) or just scumbag criminals like those who were recently stealing the cables from the signalling?

Whatever their reasons a pretty stupid thing to do!

Its them alright, Place is gone to the dogs really.

dmcronin

Legislation to enforce cashless transactions at scrapyards is the only way to go.

Judgement Day

dmcronin wrote: »

Legislation to enforce cashless transactions at scrapyards is the only way to go.

And Cash for Gold outlets!

DWCommuter

Yis are all racists, racists I tells yis!:D

Its discrimination.:D

corktina

Judgement Day wrote: »

And Cash for Gold outlets!

tis true, another outlet for stolen items as are the "fones4U" type establsishments...no names.. no packdrill..no questions asked

Hilly Bill

Judgement Day wrote: »

And Cash for Gold outlets!

Cash for Gates .

Victor

Guys, knock it off.

Can we still to the railway element of the story? Metal theft is an international problem and there is more that one group involved.