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Atlanta's police chief vows to clean up underground camps whose occupants she calls "train people".

Erika Shields says the individuals make up a subculture and are like what has been depicted in Hollywood films of train riders who live off the land.

The camps resemble bunkers and are concealed in heavy brush in and around prosperous neighborhoods of Morningside and Cheshire Bridge.

Officers frequently go into the woods and find drinking and drugs as well as stolen items.

Investigators say some come out long enough to steal an item, then go back in.


"It is filthy," the chief told members of the council public safety panel. "It's important to note these are not homeless people. They choose to be there".

Shields vows enforcement will continue until she is able to flush the troublemakers from the woods.