Media centre

Monday 23 Oct 2006

PHOTOCALL: HALF TERM ‘SCARECROW’ PATROLS FOR RAIL CRIME HOTSPOT

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Date: Tuesday 24 October 2006 Time: 10.30am Location: Brickfields footpath crossing, off Astwood Road, Worcester Event: Network Rail and British Transport Police highlight the dangers of trespass and vandalism at Brickfields footpath crossing Contact: Ben Herbert, 0121 345 3100

Network Rail will be deploying ‘human scarecrows’ throughout the half term week to patrol Brickfields footpath crossing in Worcester. Persistent trespass and vandalism at the crossing has made it one of the worst rail crime hotspots in the Midlands. In the last 12 months alone, there have been 35 reported incidents at Brickfields, incidents include: children playing ’chicken’ with oncoming trains, objects being left on the line, stone throwing and one incident where a train was struck by a pellet fired from an air rifle. Roy Hamlin, Network Rail General Manager said: “The level and scale of misuse at Brickfields is quite shocking, especially when you consider the majority of these incidents involve young children. Like all level crossings, Brickfields is safe if used correctly but through their actions these people are risking serious injury or even death.” The ‘human scarecrows’ are Network Rail operational staff who will be patrolling the crossing through the half term holiday providing a visible deterrent against trespass and vandalism at the crossing. Inspector Adeba Jama of British Transport Police added: “Trespassing on the railway is a crime and we are working with Network Rail to try and reduce these types of incidents. We will be patrolling the area to try and catch any offenders putting obstructions on the track, trespassing or throwing items at trains. Anyone with information about railway crime can report it to the BTP on 0800 405040 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111.” Most of the 35 incidents at Brickfields were reported by train drivers. Mike Roberts a Central Trains driver based at Worcester Shrub Hill gives a graphic account of how he has been affected by the vandalism at the crossing:

"Some of the children like playing chicken, seeing who can be the last to cross the line before the train arrives. I've had it happen once or twice when they've got within 8-10 feet of the train, which is approaching the crossing at 45 mph. There is no way you can make the train swerve and it takes the best part of half a mile to stop. You sound the horn early then react with the brakes, but you can't swerve. Your stomach comes into your mouth".