Chechnya Thieves Steal Train Track

Thieves in the republic of Chechnya have stolen 7.5 miles of railway track, a news agency reported Tuesday.

The stolen track had led to a cement factory in the southern town of Chere-Yurt.

The thieves took rails and ties worth an estimated $2.8 million. Chechen police said there was no indication when the track was taken, the ITAR-Tass news agency said.

Chechnya, a southern republic which last fall defeated Russian troops in a two-year war for independence, has been plagued by crime. Authorities have been unable to suppress armed gangs that roam the region.