Railway cables stolen on Bischofswerda–Zittau line

The German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) are investigating the theft of over 385 meters of railway signaling cables along the Bischofswerda–Zittau line. The incidents occurred at two separate locations over a single weekend in September 2026.

On September 12, officers discovered an open cable shaft in Zittau where approximately 55 kilograms of copper cables had been cut out. Two days later, on the night of September 14, a signal cable malfunction was reported between Mittelherwigsdorf and Niederoderwitz. Investigators found 11 cut pieces of copper cable, each measuring 35 meters in length.

Authorities believe the perpetrators intended to sell the copper to scrap dealers. The thefts caused train cancellations and delays, necessitating the implementation of rail replacement services. The total financial damage has not yet been determined.