Subject: SECURITY ALERT STOLEN DERAILS
SECURITY ALERT FOR MARCH 20, 2003 @ 8:00 A.M. EST REMAINS AT LEVEL 2 FOR THE RAIL INDUSTRY. WHEN/IF THIS ALERT LEVEL CHANGES YOU WILL BE PROMPTY NOTIFIED.

STOLEN DERAILS


Since January 01/2003, nine derails have been stolen in the East Texas area. Seven from the Greenville, Texas area, including three from Hunt Yard (DGNO RR), one from the Rubbermaid Plant (DGNO RR), two from Bonus Crop (DGNO RR), and one from the KCS RR yard. One has been stolen from Dalrock Siding (DGNO RR) near Lake Ray Hubbard and one was stolen from Winnsboro, Texas (KCS RR) during the week of March 10, 2003. All of the stolen derails were the portable hinged type.
As you know, a derail is a device used to derail a piece of equipment from the railroad track. It is used to protect main lines sidings, branch lines, and industrial leads by preventing equipment from accidentally rolling onto the main rail route from a secondary track.

What makes these thefts a bit alarming is the nature and intended use of this equipment. Theft of this equipment is unusual, since it has little value outside of the rail industry and serves no known purpose other than its intended use. The use of derails is strictly controlled by federal regulations and company policy and when not in the hands of an experienced person could be potentially dangerous.

Your crews should be advised of these thefts and be on the look out for them while operating their trains. Suggest that you use this notice as part of your job briefings for all of your crews.