To the Editor: Regarding the recent police operation targeting freight theft in the Southside of Chicago {Bait trucks and the trust problem; Aug. 10}, Norfolk Southern recognizes that, despite the need to safeguard freight in the area, this operation eroded trust between law enforcement and the community. We sincerely regret that our actions caused further unease, and we don't plan to use this method in the future. At the same time, area residents deserve more context about this operation, which was in direct response to ongoing cargo theft from parked and locked containers and trailers in that area. It must be noted that these break-ins included thefts of guns and ammunition that found their way into the local community. At the time, local residents and officials told us we needed to do more to prevent this, and we have responded. Norfolk Southem, in coordination with local, state and federal officials, employs a wide range of preventative and surveillance methods (seen and unseen) to deter crime. We regularly change and improve enforcement tools, but unfortunately thefts continue. Nationally, the FBI estimates more than $27 million of freight is stolen in transit annually. Those costs are passed on directly to consumers. We welcome a dialogue with the community, and we already have reached out to local officials to discuss how best to prevent freight theft, improve community relations, and rebuild mutual trust. dfrbot nilh Herbert Smith Community and Legislative Relations Norfolk Southern Chicago 330-936-2189