Those crazy Germans! 
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070516/od_nm/germany_railway_dc;_ylt=AhDZF3JUSVHdJzBRq.vb38DMWM0F
Sheesh with the price of brass track you would have thought they’d go for that. Less to transport and more money per kg. 
The only thing that’s missing: They got run over by an oncoming train. Sounds like the Spiessbürger von Dingsda.
A similar theft occurred here in Queensland some years ago. The Redbank Loop line had lain idle for many years, when along came these trucks with workers and began lifting the rails, the local farmers did not think anything was wrong, obviously QR was pulling up the disused line.
But when they tried to sell it the scrap merchant got suspicious and called the police, End of story.
There was a story circulating around Jersey about 50+ years ago. Three brothers were attempting to steal the overhead wire from the electrified line in So Kearny. One of them was killed and one had his hands burned so bad they had to be amputated. I can’t validate that one, but I was witness to the following. Thieves were cutting down the old lead covered telephone cable and taking it to local scrap yards in Newark. I worked for NJ Bell at the time and had to restore service.
As long as it can be pried up, it can be stolen. Nick Jr
Another problem that could be resolved by unlicensed concealed carry of fire arms.