The Sweet Home Police Department has began stepping up enforcement actions against those who trespass on railroad property in Sweet Home.
On April 9, an official of Albany and Eastern Railroad contacted Sweet Home Police and reported continuing problems with trespassers on railroad right-of-way in Sweet Home, said Police Chief Bob Burford. He reported a train crew, operating on April 8, observed several juveniles jump aboard a moving train as it traveled from the Foster area toward downtown Sweet Home.
The crew stopped the train, but the juveniles ran before they could be contacted, Burford said. Oregon law prohibits trespass on railroad right-of-way except at designated crossings.
“Our goal is to educate people that railroad tracks are not public sidewalks,” said Chief Bob Burford. “With the recent track improvement, we will be seeing more train traffic through town. These slow-moving freight trains are not Sweet Home’s version of the Portland MAX Line. Charging someone with trespass is not our preferred solution, but if it looks like a warning from an officer will not suffice, then the person can discuss the matter with a judge.”