Media centre

Thursday 19 Feb 2004

£3000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO PROSECUTION OF HITHER GREEN RAIL CRIMINALS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail is offering a reward of £3,000 for information leading to the prosecution of local rail criminals, who threw missiles at trains from Hither Green station yesterday. The British Transport Police, South Eastern Trains and Network Rail are working together on a number of initiatives to crack down on rail crime in the local area but are appealing for the local community to come forward with information. Stones and other missiles thrown at trains can have a devastating effect on both the driver and passengers as well as causing damage to trains and infrastructure costing many thousands of pounds.  Every single act of route crime has the potential to cause serious harm or even death and can have long-term effects for those involved.  Anyone who has information on these incidents is urged to call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. A reward of £3,000 is on offer for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.  The community is asked to report all incidents of rail crime to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. The number is open 24 hours a day and calls are free. Margaret Barker, Network Rail’s route crime risk manager commented, “We are not prepared to tolerate any acts of vandalism on our network. Network Rail and our industry partners are committed to tackling the problems of railway crime that threaten the safe operation of the railway. I am concerned not only for the safety of the youths carrying out these acts, but also for the safety of passengers and rail staff.” “We work long and hard with our partners and the local community to reinforce the railway safety message. I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward” Chief Inspector Bob Kenwrick, British Transport Police added, “ I cannot stress enough the dangers involved in either throwing items at trains, placing items on the tracks or actually trespassing on the railway lines. Any person caught committing such acts will be reported with a view to court action and could face long terms of imprisonment if subsequently found guilty.” Bridget Prentice, MP said, “This mindless vandalism could have led to serious injuries and I urge anyone with any information to contact the British Transport Police immediately. I have been in touch with transport bosses over the past few months with a view to increasing security in and around Hither Green railway station and both Network Rail and South East Trains have been very positive about doing so. I shall meet with them and the British Transport Police in order to pursuer this, as the safety of commuters is paramount”