http://www.news.com.au/common/story_pag ... 21,00.html
Next up, a Escalator, I am not kidding, a ESCALTORThieves steal 10-tonne bridge
By Paul Jackson
November 15, 2004
A huge 10-tonne steel railway bridge has been stolen from Darwin's rural area.
Thieves used oxyacetylene equipment to cut the 20m x 2m bridge into sections to remove it from the site.
The bizarre theft was discovered only a few days ago when it was reported to a Territory politician.
The bridge is one of many on the old railway line between Darwin and Noonamah.
It was stolen from the Coolalinga area, about 35km south of Darwin.
Gerry Wood, the Independent Member for Nelson, said he was shocked to find the bridge missing when he went to inspect the line after a local man walking his dog noticed its disappearance.
"I just couldn't believe it," Mr Wood said.
"The thieves must have known what they were doing.
"To lift something like that they must have had a crane and a big truck to take it away.
"The steel pylons have been perfectly cut at the base."
"There are also a number of footprints from industrial boots around the site where the bridge was.
"I don't know how many people would have been involved but there must have been a few of them.
"It certainly appears to be a swift and well-organised mission.
"It must have been done at night because during the day people walk their dogs and ride their bikes on a dirt track that runs alongside the railway line.
"I believe the bridge was built in the 1890s so it had some real history to it.
"To replace it today would cost many thousands of dollars.
"Why would anyone want to steal a bridge?
"But then again, I guess it would make a great tank stand.
"Someone out there must know something.
"All of a sudden there's going to be this massive steel bridge pop up on someone's property.
"And that just doesn't happen every day.
"All I can say is: 'Who are the bastards that have flogged our bridge?"
Police said they were investigating the theft.
Northern Territory News
http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News ... 26,00.html
Gang steals... escalator
04/12/2004 09:35 - (SA)
Hong Kong - A subway station in southern China has been forced to delay its opening after an armed gang broke in and stole the escalator, a news report said on Saturday.
A gang of 24 men held up builders and looted the construction site at Gouwugongyuan station in Shenzhen, stealing an entire escalator and six steel pillars.
Terrified security guards stood by as the robbers went back and forth, carrying materials to trucks waiting outside, the South China Morning Post reported.
The station, next to the Shenzhen Exhibition Centre, was due to open on December 28 but will not now be finished on time, the newspaper said.
One construction worker quoted by the newspaper said looting was rife at subway construction sites.
"A few days ago they robbed another (subway) site a few kilometres from here," he said. "They even sent in a crane to lift their loot onto trucks. It's completely lawless."
Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong, is one of China's fastest growing cities and has a reputation as a city where crime and robberies are rife. - DPA
