HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Police in a Mercer County community are hoping the public can help them track down a copper thief who's latest crimes threaten the  safety of drivers.

Hempfield Police officer Daniel McCloskey tells 21 news that the Bessemer Railroad has reported the  theft of shunt and junction boxes that are used to trigger caution lights at railroad crossings.

McCloskey says the devices are located along railroad tracks approximately 1,250 feet before road crossings. 

Police say that over the past few days, Bessemer Railroad officials report that the equipment was removed from crossings at Hamburg Road and Blahut Road.

Not only does the theft prevent signals from flashing, but railroad officials tell police that forces trains to slow down since they must approach crossings with more caution.

Investigators believe that copper wire is being stripped from the devices and sold as scrap

Police have provided photographs of the stolen equipment and ask if anyone has seen the items to call them at 724-588-7369.