Media centre

Tuesday 17 Feb 2004

£5000 REWARD FOR ‘WANTED’ RAIL VANDALS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail is offering a reward of £5000 for information leading to the prosecution of local criminals who continue to vandalise the railway. The British Transport Police, South Central and Network Rail are working together on a number of initiatives to crack down on route crime following a recent spate of trespass and vandalism incidents near Ore Station and Ore Tunnel. These incidents have included signals being shot out by air rifles, objects such as tyres, iron bars and bicycles being placed on the tracks and stone throwing at trains. Stones and other missiles thrown at trains have a devastating effect on both the driver and passengers, as well as causing damage to trains and infrastructure costing many thousands of pounds. Placing any object on the tracks has the potential to derail a train. Every act of route crime perpetrated has the potential to cause serious harm or result in fatalities.  These crimes may also have a long-term negative impact on the lives of those involved.  Anyone who has information on these incidents is urged to call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A reward of £5000 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 and cost £150 million per annum and 775,000 minutes of delays. Not only are trespassers and vandals putting trains and passengers at risk but also are jeopardising their own lives.” “Anyone who plays or strays onto the railway is dicing with death, but that apart, crimes of this nature cause massive inconvenience to passengers. 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” David Hynes, Head of Security, South Central said, “We are working with all our partners to provide a safer railway for passengers.  The implications of the actions of a small criminal minority in the Ore area has a tremendous impact on the service we are able to provide for the local community and the surrounding area.  South Central also urges anyone with information on those carrying out these dangerous activities to get in touch with the British Transport Police or Crimestoppers, your actions may save someone’s life.” Chief Inspector Hale, British Transport Police added, “Crime on the railways will not be tolerated. Local residents can assist the British Transport Police in making the railways a safer place by reporting any incidents and by providing information leading to the arrest of offenders. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”