30 July 2008
CP Rail Out to Catch Vandals Cutting Fences
Airdrie Alberta - Canadian Pacific Rail officials are
worried someone could get seriously hurt, or worse, killed because holes are being cut into the fencing around the Mackenzie Point
condominium complex.
According to CP Police Const. Gordon Wharf, this has been an on-going problem. Vandals cut holes into necessary fencing
for "short cuts," but no sooner is the damage repaired, than someone goes and does it again.
"This is very dangerous," Wharf told The Echo recently. "A five-year-old doesn't know what a fence is for
and could easily wander away onto the tracks. I don't even want to think about what could happen."
There has been an increase in trespassing on CP Rail property. Wharf said the RCMP, as well as city officials, know about the problem
and have been helpful in helping the rail company rectify it.
"We can't keep you safe if you're working against us," Wharf added. "The RCMP have increased their bike and car patrols
to try to catch these people."
CP Rail has fencing all through Airdrie and vandals are accessing CP Rail property from two fences near the condo complex and the mall.
CP Rail is not taking the matter lightly. Guilty parties could be either charged under the Rail Safety Act, a provincial petty theft
act, or the trespassing act. Being charged under the rail safety act is an indictable offence requiring a court appearance and a fine
of up to $10,000. Persons can be arrested, fingerprinted, and have a criminal record attached to them for the rest of their lives.
"Railroad tracks are a very dangerous place to be," Wharf said. "If something happens, it impacts the whole community -
not just the victim, but their families, friends, and everyone.
"The fences are there for a reason. They're there to keep you safe."
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