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Monday 6 Apr 2009

RAIL CRIME DOWN IN THE NORTH EAST BUT WORK CONTINUES

Region & Route:

- New figures reveal how young people continue to risk their lives by trespassing and vandalising the railway

There were more than 5,000 recorded incidents of railway crime involving young people in Britain last year. Today, as the Easter holidays begin, Network Rail launches its annual No Messin’ campaign to reduce railway crime and promote positive activities for young people. The campaign is fronted by boxing champion Amir Khan.

Taking short cuts, playing alongside the tracks, throwing objects at trains, placing obstructions on the line, and spraying graffiti on railway bridges, fencing and buildings, were all crimes committed by young people in the north east in 2008.

The most shocking instances include:

- Throwing fireworks at trains in Ashington in October

- A person riding their bike down the line in Stockton in July

- A fire, believed to have been started deliberately at a disused signal box in Hartlepool in December

Despite these disturbing incidents, the No Messin’ campaign, now in its fourth year is seeing some significant successes. Darlington remains a north east hotspot for crime but reported trespass and vandalism crimes are down around 11% on 2007.

Network Rail’s dedicated community safety team has something happening somewhere in the country every day of the Easter holidays - including work with local police, sports clubs, schools and community.

In the north east they have already taken part in the safety day in Durham on 21 March and are working with the family of Liam Hayton who died on the railway in Darlington on 21 Dec 2007 to find opportunities to educate young people of the dangers of railway crime. Liam was 20 years old and had a young son with Sharliene Durham. She said: “This time of year it's really hard. You see the Dads picking their kids up from school and playing with them in the park and just for the sake of a stupid shortcut, Liam isn't here to do that.

“Network Rail is really working hard to show people that there’s more to life than hanging about on the railway tracks and I’m really pleased to be able to do my bit to help with that. Anything we can do to stop another family going through what we are has to be worth it. My message is really simple – please do NOT go onto the tracks.”

Amir Khan spoke of his continued support for the campaign: “No Messin' is great because, instead of just lecturing kids, it gives them the chance to get involved with something new for free. Once they’re interested and can see the alternatives that are out there, they’re much more likely to pay attention to the rail safety message.

“Young people need to know that messing about on the tracks is not what earns them respect. The young kids that I see in my community gym are learning a real skill in boxing, making friends and keeping out of trouble. I want young people to take a chance and try something new through No Messin’, rather than on the railway, where all they’ll be doing is chancing their lives.”

Iain Coucher, Network Rail chief executive said: “We’re seeing some real success in bringing down the levels of railway crime in hotspot areas, but there is much more work to be done to save lives and prevent needless injury. We are working hard to tackle the most dangerous crimes where young people think it is fun to play ‘chicken’ with a 200 tonne train going at 100mph or place objects on the line, which could have catastrophic consequences.

“Over the spring and summer we will once again be taking our No Messin’ campaign on tour to get young people involved in more exciting and fun stuff. That includes sports such as football and boxing, but also things they might never have tried before like archery, motorcycling and street dance. Once the events are over we continue to work with local clubs to sustain that interest and develop their skills and keep them off the tracks for good.”

British Transport Police deputy chief constable Andy Trotter said: “BTP welcomes the news that crime is down in the areas targeted by Network Rail. While the figures represent good progress, we are not going to be complacent and we will continue to work closely with our partners to reduce crime even further.

“Our officers work tirelessly alongside Network Rail to educate youngsters that the railway is no playground and that those who gain access to prohibited parts of the railway are putting their lives at risk.”