Metal thefts increasingly disrupt Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) freight transportation operations. Thieves are especially interested in removing copper cables, thus causing substantial damage to German railway infrastructure. The damage, in turn, results in significant delays for freight traffic, as well as additional financial burdens for DB. In fact, half of all delays associated with copper theft in Germany affect freight trains. As a result, DB plans to recruit an additional 500 employees to counter metal theft in rail and improve the situation.