Theft of railway warning bells threatens safety on Danish heritage line

A series of thefts targeting warning bells at railway crossings has raised safety concerns on the Veteranbanen Haderslev-Vojens heritage railway in southern Denmark, DR reports.

Five bells have been stolen from four separate crossings along the 16-kilometre stretch between Vojens and Haderslev, according to local police. The stolen equipment, valued at approximately 25,000 kroner (€3,350), is critical for alerting road users to approaching trains.

Malte Viuff Jørgensen, chair of the heritage railway, condemned the thefts, warning of potential accidents. “We could easily have been running a train the day after the thefts, creating a real risk of another incident like last summer’s fatal crash,” he told DR.

The thefts follow a deadly accident in July 2023, when a 24-year-old man was killed at an unprotected crossing near Sønderborg after warning bells had been stolen. A 51-year-old man has since been charged in connection with that case, facing allegations of gross negligence resulting in death and aggravated theft.

South Jutland Police are investigating the latest thefts and coordinating with railway operators to ensure the line can reopen safely. Authorities have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked.

The heritage railway, operated by volunteers, connects the towns of Haderslev and Vojens and is a popular tourist attraction in the region.