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Truck modified to ride on rails stolen in Nanaimo, recovered in Parksville

Theft occurred at rail yard early in the morning Sept. 29
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A truck from the Southern Railway of Vancouver Island's yard in Nanaimo, reported stolen, has been recovered. (Island Corridor Foundation Facebook screenshot)

A truck capable of operating on train tracks was stolen from a Nanaimo rail yard last week, but has been recovered.

Reserve Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said the Ford F250 pickup was taken from the site near Port Drive just after 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 29. In an e-mail, the Island Corridor Foundation said the hi-rail truck, which has railway wheels at its front and rear, belonged to Southern Railway of Vancouver Island, ICF partner and rail operator.

The truck was recovered on Smithers Road in Parksville on Sept. 30 with a "punched ignition," according to police, and was subsequently towed from the scene.

Closed-circuit TV footage captured a suspect, wearing a red hoodie and brown pants, forcing open a side door, with the vehicle observed driving away five minutes later. Witnesses reported seeing two people leaving the area.

There is no additional information at this time, other than police are awaiting results of the forensic examination of the vehicle.



Karl Yu

About the Author: Karl Yu

I joined Black Press in 2010 and cover education, court and RDN. I am a Ma Murray and CCNA award winner.
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