BNSF trains halted for hours after freight train heist in Chicago: Metra

at Western Avenue due to the incident and police activity. An alert posted to the transit agency s website said inbound and outbound trains were on the move just before 11 a.m., but that some would be extensively delayed. Passengers were safe, and the Chicago Police Department was investigating, the transit agency said. Photos and video from Sky5 above the railyard showed packages and boxes opened and strewn along the side of the tracks. Chicago police confirmed the burglary took place but did not offer further details. BNSF told NBC Chicago it has robust security protocols with police focused on preventing freight train incidents. We work hard to protect our customers freight from pickup to delivery and have security measures in place to help ensure these goods arrive safely, the statement said in part. BNSF did not comment on Tuesday s incident but added that cargo theft is not a victimless crime, as many of the packages transported on freight trains are medication, food and other critical supplies. These criminal acts disrupt the movement of goods, increase costs for consumers and businesses, and create dangerous situations for railroad employees, law enforcement officers, and the communities we serve, BNSF said.