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Wednesday 30 Sep 2026

Trespassers cause almost 1000 hours of delays to passengers across Scotland's Railway

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

New figures reveal that trespass, vandalism and cable theft cost Scotland’s Railway almost £2 million over the last year, with 1,231 incidents recorded across the network. 

The offences contributed to nearly 1,000 hours of delays for passengers, demonstrating how unsafe and illegal behaviour on the railway can cause widespread disruption to journeys and impact communities. 

Trespassing is one of the 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 considerable financial cost. 

Of the 1,231 incidents recorded across Scotland's Railway, trespass accounted for 1,159 cases, making it by far the most common form of railway crime. 

The incidents cost the industry almost £1.94 million and required significant operational responses to keep passengers and staff safe. 

There were 70 vandalism incidents which cost £49,144. 

Network Rail Scotland, BTP and industry partners are stepping up efforts to tackle railway crime by strengthening evidence gathering and prosecutions, while using victim impact statements to highlight the disruption and delays caused by offenders. 

The new 'Crime with Consequences' campaign aims to send a clear message that criminal behaviour on the railway carries serious penalties, including hefty fines and prison sentences. 

Alongside the campaign, Network Rail is investing in new technologies and targeted enforcement activity to prevent crime, including covert measures to tackle cable theft, additional patrols in hotspot locations, and the use of drones, sensors and smart CCTV to identify and catch offenders more effectively. 

Innis Keith, health, safety & environment director at Network Rail Scotland, said: "Every trespass incident has the potential to end in tragedy, while also causing significant disruption for passengers and freight services. 

"The majority of people understand that the railway is not a place to take shortcuts, but unfortunately a small number continue to put themselves and others at risk. 

"We are working closely with our industry partners and British Transport Police to tackle trespass, vandalism and other criminal activity, but we would urge everyone to stay off the railway and use designated crossings and routes at all times." 

Superintendent Darren Malpas, of British Transport Police, said: "Cable theft and associated railway crimes like trespass aren’t victimless offences. They put lives at risk, cause significant disruption to passengers and freight services, and cost the rail industry millions of pounds every year, which ultimately ends up costing the public more.   

“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."