Media centre

Monday 29 Mar 2004

EASTER WARNING FOR RAILWAY CRIMINALS

Region & Route:

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 north west is on the decrease, however the need to be vigilant remains.             Network Rail’s Regional Director, Tim Clarke 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 north west. 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.” - more -             Easter – 2 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 in the north west. ·    On-going fencing improvement programme. ·    Dedicated British Transport Police officers working with the Network Rail community relations team. ·        A high-visibility British Transport Police camera surveillance van paid for by Network Rail. ·    Rapid response motorcycle patrols in Greater Manchester to focus on hot-spot areas. ·    Football in the community schemes to run workshops and training for children and young people over the holiday period. Working with Burnley, Bolton Wanderers, Crewe Alexandra, Liverpool, Manchester City, Wigan Athletic and Wrexham football clubs. ·        ‘Crucial Crew’ and ‘Safety Town’ safety briefings for school children. ·        Safety awareness stands at model railway exhibitions. Tim Clarke continued: “Crime on the railway is 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.”