Crossing Signals Stolen - Tuscola

[mikerm19]

http://www.wnem.com/story/34687636/rail ... or-thieves

Apparently we got some real morons here... Keep on the lookout for a cheap set of these on Craigslist all the sudden.

[GreatLakesRailfan]

Let me get this straight- they didn't just steal a set of crossbucks, they stole a crossing signal- crossbucks, flashers, last and all?

That's a lot more serious than the posts I saw on Facebook alluded to.

[NYCMan]

Nothing new here. In Detroit, this is common. Not only do the "locals" steal signals, they have been known to pull up rail and then sell it at one or more of the less-scrupulous scrap yards. What I truly enjoy is when the scrap thieves try to steal power cables leading into electric substations and the thieves get fried on the spot -- that is what I call Justice at its Best!

[Schteinkuh]

I'm not even mad. I'm actually pretty impressed. They took the whole thing!

[SousaKerry]

Not so sure it was a theft but maybe a coverup for a hit and run. The way that base is broken somebody must have hit the post pretty hard. Probobly a couple of rednecks in a truck with a few road beers hit it and threw the evidence in the back of the truck then took off.

If they were stealing it for resale just unbolt the base and remove it intact. Stealing for scrap why leave 5 pounds of aluminum behind.

[Schteinkuh]

Not so sure it was a theft but maybe a coverup for a hit and run. The way that base is broken somebody must have hit the post pretty hard. Probobly a couple of rednecks in a truck with a few road beers hit it and threw the evidence in the back of the truck then took off.

If they were stealing it for resale just unbolt the base and remove it intact. Stealing for scrap why leave 5 pounds of aluminum behind.

That's an excellent observation, actually

[hoborich]

It's gonna be kind of hard to get rid of.

[SousaKerry]

Just plant it in the yard and hang flower pots from it. Hide it in plain sight.

[coasterrider]

My guess it is just laying in a field somewhere. As it was stated .probably taken to cover up an
accident and tossed out somewhere.Ready,set,go fine it lol

[hoborich]

Not sure why anyone would take it to hide an accident. Hit it and leave it. "Oh look. Someone hit the crossing signal". Hit it and take it with you? "Wow. Someone hit the crossing signals and stole them". Now the police and foamers are hot on it.

[James Sofonia]

Maybe someone hit the signal and left the scene, then later a rail fan or foamer swiped it.

[GreatLakesRailfan]

Not sure why anyone would take it to hide an accident. Hit it and leave it.

Given the area this took place in, it's entirely possible the driver was drunk when this took place. It's hard to prove someone hit the signal if the signal is gone, whereas there would be paint or other evidence that could be used to track down the signal if it was left at the scene. At this point, all anyone knows for sure (based on the article above) is that the signal was stolen. There's no evidence of anything else, other than the suspiciously missing signal, which is probably in somebody's scrap pile now.