The Northwest Indiana Commuter Transit District is asking for the public's help in finding the parties responsible for more than $100,000 in thefts of copper from the South Shore commuter rail line's properties, the Northwest Indiana Times reports. According to Transit Police Chief Robert Byrd, the thefts have occurred over the last several months with the most recent taking place the night of Nov. 2 at the Gary, Ind., Metro Center.

"These signal cables are an integral part of our signal communication system," Byrd said. "When they are stolen, our signals display red, requiring all trains to operate at reduced speed."

The thefts can also damage track circuits and rail, he said.

The cables in question are about 1.25 inches in diameter and are 150- to 200-feet long. NICTD officials believe the thieves may remove the insulated coating and disassemble the cable into shorter strands to make it less recognizable when they sell it for cash.

Byrd said he believe scrap dealers are turning a blind eye to the thefts.

The same group is believed responsible for at least 15 thefts throughout the system in Northwest Indiana and Chicago, he said. Byrd said South Shore crews typically don't work on the line after dark but will be out this weekend for ongoing repairs.

NICTD is asking anyone with any information to call transit police and asking local police departments and the public to report any suspicious activity.