Media centre

Wednesday 24 Mar 2004

EASTER WARNING FOR RAILWAY CRIMINALS

Region & Route:

| Southern

Stay off the railway and stay safe this Easter. That’s the message from Network Rail as it launches its Easter holiday campaign against railway crime. The ongoing battle against trespass and vandalism is part of the rail industry crackdown on mindless vandals whose actions put lives at risk. Network Rail and its industry partners are taking a more aggressive stance than ever before to target criminals who attack the rail network with potentially catastrophic results. Incidents of railway crime represent some of the biggest threats to the safety of Britain’s railways. Recent statistics reveal that railway crime in the South is on the decrease, however the need to be vigilant remains.             Network Rail’s Regional Director, Robin Gisby, said, “The downward trend is very encouraging and shows that our industry’s effort to highlight the dangers and consequences of railway crime is making a very real impression throughout the South. However we cannot afford to be complacent.”             “The cost of railway crime is enormous, both in terms of train delays and damage to trains and infrastructure. But it is the threat to the lives and safety of passengers and railway staff that is the main cause for concern.”             Network Rail and its industry partners operate a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ to railway crime and have a long line of initiatives to tackle the problem. ·        Ongoing fencing improvement programme. ·        Use of closed circuit television cameras at key railway crime locations. Also use of mobile CCTV cameras. ·        ‘Railwatch’ programme in the South to involve the community in the fight against route crime. ·        High visibility motorcycle patrols in outer London to focus on hot spot areas. ·        Sponsorship of youth activities along the South coast hot spots to divert attention away from playing on the railway. ·        Fulham and Charlton Athletic football in the community schemes to run workshops and training for children and young people over the holiday period. Robin Gisby, continued: “Crime on the railway is of a huge concern to us all, and partnership within the industry and outside communities is the key to tackling this major problem. Route crime is a major hazard for rail staff and passengers and helping prevent it is everyone’s business. I would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious on railway property to report it to the free 24-hour hotline number on 0800 40 50 40 or the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111 where rewards are available for information which leads to a successful conviction.”