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Wednesday 30 Sep 2026

Campaign warns of consequences after railway crime causes nearly 100 days of delays

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: North & East

Trespass, vandalism and cable theft caused more than 2,347 hours of delays – equivalent to 98 days – on Network Rail’s North & East route in 2025/26, new figures show.

In response, the rail industry and British Transport Police launched a new campaign yesterday (Tuesday 29 September) to crack down on crimes committed by trespassers on the railway.

Crime with Consequences highlights to potential offenders that they will face the full force of the law, including severe fines or even prison sentences, if they commit crimes on the railway.

Trespass is one of the railway’s biggest causes of disruption and can have a significant impact on train performance, passengers, freight, railway staff and local communities. It can also require a substantial industry response and come at a considerable financial cost.

Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry have been working together more closely than ever before. This collaboration is helping the organisations better understand and tackle railway crime, identify offenders and minimise the impact on the railway.

On the North & East route*, for the 12 months to March this year, there were:

• 1,520 trespass incidents resulting in more than 1,920 hours of delays
• 115 incidents of vandalism or obstruction causing more than 130 hours’ delays
• 35 cable theft incidents leading to more than 293 hours of disruption.

Part of the enhanced collaboration will see improved evidence collection to strengthen prosecutions, as well as a greater focus on victim impact statements to demonstrate the consequences of delays caused by railway crime.

Across the network, drones, sensors and smart CCTV are helping Network Rail and British Transport Police identify and catch offenders faster and more consistently.

Karen Duffy, operations director for Network Rail’s North & East route, said:

“Behind every delay caused by railway crime are passengers who are unable to complete their journeys on time. Trespass, cable theft, vandalism and obstruction are not victimless crimes. They affect the millions of people who rely on the railway every day.

“We’re working more closely than ever with our partners across the rail industry and British Transport Police, using technology including drones and security cameras to detect offences more quickly and support investigations.

“Through the Crime with Consequences campaign, we’re making it clear that anyone who breaks the law on the railway can expect to face serious consequences, including fines, criminal convictions and, in the most serious cases, imprisonment. Whatever the reason, trespass is never worth the risk.”

Superintendent Darren Malpas, of British Transport Police, said:

“This important campaign highlights both the dangers and consequences of criminal activity on the rail network. Those involved must understand that railway infrastructure is extremely dangerous. Anyone trespassing on the railway or attempting to steal cable risks serious injury or death.

“Through closer collaboration, improved intelligence, new technology and stronger evidence gathering, we’re working tirelessly to identify offenders, bring them to justice and protect the communities and passengers who rely on the railway every day.”

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: 

“Trespassing causes delay and frustration for thousands of passengers every year and stops people going about their daily lives. Anyone doing this on the railway is also putting themselves at serious risk of injury or death. 

“It is great to see the rail industry come together with British Transport Police to make it absolutely clear that trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence. Make no mistake, offenders will be brought to justice quickly, helping to reduce disruption across the network and keep passengers moving.” 

The campaign forms part of the wider rail industry’s efforts to reduce trespass and railway crime, working alongside the existing No Second Chances safety programme.