Oct 20, 2007 7:52 am US/Central
2 Charged With Stealing Copper From 'L' Tracks
High Price Of Copper Has Resulted In Numerous Thefts
CHICAGO (STNG) ―
Two men have been charged in the thefts of copper wire and signal taps from the CTA's Pink Line tracks.
Wayne Anderson, 42, of the 1400 block of North Linder Avenue, was charged with one count each of criminal trespass to state land, theft of stolen property and possession of burglary tools, according to a release from the CTA. Harold Williams, 39, of the 7700 block of South Sawyer Avenue, has been charged with one count each of criminal trespass to state land, theft of stolen property, possession of burglary tools and multiple traffic citations, the release said.
The arrests were the result of a collaborative effort between the CTA and Chicago police, the release said.
Surveillance was set up following a theft report filed by the CTA on October 16 which indicated that a total of 18 wire taps were stolen from two locations along the Pink Line. The materials are part of the track signal system. Signals act as traffic lights along the rail routes directing rail operators to proceed, slow down or stop. Signals also give the operator information regarding track conditions and speed limits, according to the release.
About 1:10 a.m. Thursday, both suspects were apprehended by police after the surveillance team observed two male subjects climb under fencing to gain access to the CTA tracks near the Kostner Pink Line station, the release said.
The two had an ax, wrench and other tools on them, as well as items that matched those reported as stolen by the CTA on October 16, the release said.
"These arrests should serve as a warning to criminals that CTA and CPD will not cease in their efforts to apprehend and seek prosecution of those who commit crimes against CTA property, customers and employees," CTA President Ron Huberman said. "We will continue our efforts to provide a safe, secure traveling environment and workplace."
With the high price of copper, thieves across the country have been striking utilities, cell phone towers, homes, churches, even downed power lines, looking to strip away the copper. Earlier this week two men were charged in DuPage County with stealing dozens of bronze and copper vases from a cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace, in order to sell them for scrap.
Anderson and Williams are scheduled to appear December 21 in Misdemeanor Court (Br. 43), according to the release.
cbs2chicago.com's Most Popular Pages
Slideshow: Halloween, Hollywood-Style Slideshow: Useless Body Parts Slideshow: In To Be Out: Gay Celebrities Slideshow: Did You Know? Stars From Chicago!
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
