A freight train operating in south-east France was stopped on the tracks by a gang of thieves who stole part of its cargo, including home appliance goods.
The middle-of-the-night raid is said to have taken place last month and only became public earlier this week when local media, citing a source at the state prosecutor’s office, reported on it for the first time.
Criminals are thought to have brought the train to a halt at a level crossing in the vicinity of the village of Saint-Montan, in the rural département of Ardèche. Images of the scene showed a road trailer blocking the crossing.
Investigation continues
The police investigation into the robbery is continuing. The media reports did not disclose the identity of the train’s operator or the traction provider.
However, an industry source told Railfreight.com that it was operated by Froid Combi, a combined road-rail transport specialist whose core business is shipping fresh and frozen produce between southern and northern France. Captrain France provided the traction. The source did not disclose further details.
Security concerns raised
Froid Combi operates three daily round-trip services (Monday through Friday) between Avignon and Dourges and Avignon and Paris/Valenton. Approached by Railfreight.com, no one at the company was immediately available to comment.
Rémy Crochet, the company’s president, is also the current president of the GNTC, the French intermodal freight association. When Railfreight.com contacted the GNTC, a spokesperson said the organisation had no information to offer other than to underline that “security is a top priority for operators at the moment”—an indication that freight trains have become a more attractive target for thieves.
This kind of robbery is a rarity in France. It has caused quite a stir because of its audacity and modus operandi, which suggests premeditated and coordinated action and technical and logistical expertise.