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Thieves Target Heritage Railways - News and Updates
Release by West Yorkshire police of vivid CCTV footage to the BBC and regional newspapers of thieves stealing replica station name boards and fittings from Damems station on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, has shown the thefts are likely to be part of a nationwide pattern which it has been suggested at the annual meeting of the Heritage Railway Association, is part of a highly secretive but very lucrative international trade in stolen railway items.
Delegates at the meeting in Taunton suggested that the KWVR and other railways recently targeted by the thieves were victims of a “steal to order” system where people had been seen photographing signs, clocks, fittings and relics (while ignoring other aspects of the railway), which had then been taken by thieves two or three weeks later. To try to make stolen items unsaleable and therefore worthless to thieves, three of Britain’s railway publications are to start a THIEF WATCH column linked to the HRA’s website, which in turn it’s hoped will then be linked to all heritage railways’ websites (including this one). The editors of the Railway Magazine, Steam Railway and Heritage Railway have also said they will support this initiative. In addition, the HRA is to approach the Home Office to ensure the UK’s police forces understand the nature of these thefts and the danger they pose to the future of the lines. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport is to be advised that the thefts represent a major threat to the country’s railway heritage – as well as the dispiriting effect such thefts have on volunteers who work hard to conserve the nation’s railway history. With more track miles than London Underground, a thousand employees, more than 20,000 volunteers and a turnover in excess of £40 millions a year, Britain’s heritage railways are a major economic and cultural force in many parts of the Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man. The HRA is also looking at a suggestion that a substantial reward should be offered for information which leads to the conviction of those responsible for the thefts. Research through the National Preservation Forum’s websites shows the thefts from this railway to be but one of many of anything to do with railways and steam machinery. However Keighley police say the public is responding to their appeals for information and that this is proving helpful with their enquiries. It is understood they are in touch with police in other areas, who are looking into railway-related crime including break-ins at the home of the late Fred Dibnah at Bolton, plundered for steam memorabilia; the theft of one of the nameplates from the Austerity 2-10-0 Dame Vera Lynn while under repair at Bury; loss of valuable fittings and equipment from the Yorkshire Dales Railway where even a station dog bowl was stolen; from Jurassic , the only steam engine of the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway the theft of brass safety valve covers and fittings -- and proof that nothing is “sacred” to the thieves, evidenced when the Furness Railway’s “Coppernob” dating back to 1846, had one of its nameplates stolen from within the National Railway Museum. The Heritage Railway Association has issued an urgent warning to its members to review security in the light of this spate of thefts. It is also to hold a Theft and Vandalism seminar and is likely to consider the matter further at its next meeting in March, in Crewe. Detectives who arranged for CCTV footage of thieves striking at the KWVLR are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the men in the images or who saw anything suspicious at any of the stations around the times the thefts have occurred. They would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered the signs for sale. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Jackie Doherty at Keighley CID on 01535 617059. If this number is unavailable call West Yorkshire Police switchboard on 01924 375222 or 0845 60 60 60, who can put you through. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111. Please help: and review the security of any relics or transport memorabilia in your care. The seriousness of the thefts and the threats they pose to the ability of railways to continue to preserve our railway heritage (not least through the demoralising effect on volunteer workers) has been reflected in extensive media coverage prompted by the CCTV footage from Damems.
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