Media centre

Tuesday 21 Oct 2003

£5000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO PROSECUTION OF RAIL CRIMINALS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail is offering a reward of £5000 for information leading to the prosecution of local criminals following a number of incidents on the high speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link.  At the weekend, vandals deliberately damaged three sets of tough security fencing in order to push a vehicle down a steep embankment onto the line in the Temple Wood area, just west of Strood.  This location is where trains travel at speeds of up to 186 mph on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.   Fortunately, the vehicle concerned stopped short of the running rail and therefore passengers’ safety was not jeopardised.   The vehicle involved is known to have been stolen and used for other criminal activity prior to being pushed onto the line. This is not the first such incident at this location and as result the British Transport Police, Network Rail and Eurostar are stepping up their fight against these mindless criminals.   Measures include increased  patrols in the area and security at the site.  Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.   Your call will be treated confidentially and a reward of £5000 is on offer for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrators.  These numbers are open 24 hours a day and calls are free. CTRL – 2             The industry is determined to crack down on route crime and uses a number of different approaches including educating local communities about the dangers of the railway, working with the British Transport Police and judiciary system to ensure criminals are caught and putting in place comprehensive fencing schemes to help prevent the general public from accessing the railway. Chris Jago, Managing Director Network Rail CTRL Ltd, commented, “I urge those with information on these crimes to come forward. Network Rail is committed to safety and security on the railway. We are determined to work with our industry partners to prevent the mindless and dangerous activities that affect the safety of the railway.” Colum Price, Superintendent, Operations for London South, British Transport Police added, “These incidents have been carried out by people who are intentionally trying to cause serious damage and I cannot stress more strongly the serious consequences of these malicious acts.   Any person caught committing such acts will be arrested and prosecuted and could face long terms of imprisonment if subsequently found guilty.”