Thieves and vandals are targeting a heritage railway near Waiuku, threatening its ability to keep running.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway has had dozens of instances of graffiti, vandalism, theft and other property damage over the past year.
Things escalated, leading to Glenbrook Vintage Railway posting about the issue on social media.
“This evening, after a tip-off from a member of the public, we discovered that criminals have been interfering with our active railway track, removing bolts in an attempt to steal railway sleepers,” the post says.
“The interference and theft of these items risk a serious accident that could kill people.
Railway sleepers are sought after for landscape gardening, and we urge people to only buy sleepers through reputable sellers, as well as pass on any information of suspected stolen sleepers.”
The post says that trains run on their line any day of the week and at any time.
“We have even had brazen thefts and vandalism incidents during broad daylight and while our people are working nearby. This takes a huge toll on our staff and volunteers who no longer feel safe going about their business.”
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway is a charitable trust supported almost entirely by rail activities. Located about 10km northeast of Waiuku, the organisation runs many vintage rail outings along with the ever-popular Day Out With Thomas event.
The incidents have been reported to the police, but Glenbrook Vintage Railway says it cannot sustain the tens of thousands of dollars of damage inflicted on the volunteer organisation.
“This is all while having to spend significant amounts more on security, CCTV and other deterrence. Now more than ever, we need the eyes and ears of our community to be vigilant.”
Anyone noticing suspicious activity on or around the railway is asked to call the police on 111 immediately and report it.
