Batteries kept in silver metal containers near railway crossings on Vancouver Island have become target for thieves over recent months. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

costly thefts

‘It’s putting the public at risk:’ stolen railway crossing batteries a headache for Nanaimo RCMP

Nov 1, 2023 | 3:29 PM

NANAIMO — Mounties up and down Vancouver Island are trying to track down a seemingly coordinated effort to steal valuable batteries from rail crossings.

Officers in Nanaimo reported at least five such incidents locally between August and October ranging from the north end to near the downtown. Other thefts have taken place at rail crossings between the Comox Valley and Langford.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the thefts have caused about $800,000 in repairs and stolen equipment.

“It’s putting the public at risk because when these control boxes are knocked out, there’s no advanced warning for motorists when they’re crossing a railway track, it’s quite significant.”

Batteries used for signalled rail crossings in Nanaimo, and across Vancouver Island, have been stolen in repeated incidents over the last three months. (submitted photos)

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The most recent theft occurred on Oct. 19 along Comox Rd. between Kennedy and Milton St.

Three more were reported in September and another in late August, all in the north and central areas of Nanaimo.

O’Brien said the thefts are taking place in the overnight hours and it’s quite possible thieves are dressing as workers by wearing high-visibility vests.

No CCTV evidence has been available at the sites to date, nor have any witnesses come forward.

“Most are remote areas or on the side of the road where there’s often no CCTV cameras. The railway has done a great job of securing these sites and they’re continuing to do that but sometimes criminals are one step ahead of us.”

O’Brien added police have a theory on why the batteries are being targeted, but aren’t sharing it with the public at this time.

Anyone with information on suspicious activity around these railway crossings, or dashcam footage of people nearby, is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345, quoting file number 2023-36509.

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