Media centre

Tuesday 29 May 2007

VANDALS TARGETTED IN RAILWAY CRIME CRACK DOWN (WEST YORKSHIRE)

Region & Route:

Young people who throw missiles at trains in West Yorkshire are being targeted by the rail industry this half term. Network Rail figures show the county is the worst in the North East area for throwing stones and other missiles at trains and other rail infrastructure in recent months (see figures below). With the schools on holiday they are working with the British Transport Police (BTP) and train operating companies to highlight the dangers of these actions. Network Rail's Route Director, Dyan Crowther, said: "Unfortunately we always see an increase in crime on the railways during the school holidays. The recent increase in incidents of missile throwing are worrying as these individuals are no only putting themselves in grave danger by trespassing on the railway; but are also endangering others who may be hit by debris. We would ask parents to ensure they know were their children are during the holidays and that they impress upon them the potential dangers of trespassing on the tracks." Examples of recent incidents include: a signal box worker who was hurt when a window was smashed in Shildon, County Durham; a driver who was left shaken after a concrete block was dangled from a footbridge at Neville Hill in Leeds and a driver who narrowly escaped serious injury when a stone was thrown through the window of his cab at Mirfield station. David Mallender, public relations manager for train operator TransPennine Express, said: "These young people need to stop, think and realise that they are not simply throwing stones at trains they are hurling missiles at our passengers and our employees. It's no different to lobbing a brick into the middle of a family picnic. It's not acceptable." Superintendent Terry Nicholson from British Transport Police added: "I cannot emphasise strongly enough the dangers associated with this type of crime. Those involved may perceive there actions minor however stone throwing presents a serious safety hazard to both rail staff and passengers traveling on the train, as well those committing the crime itself. We work hard to educate children into the dangers associated and consequences of this type of behavior on the rail network. Our officers undertake regular school visits alongside Network Rail and the train operating companies to reinforce the message to children and young people that the railway is not a playground." Hotspots for missile throwing: Location Number of incidents (past six months) Neville Hill junction (nr Leeds, West Yorkshire) 11 Fizwilliam (West Yorks) 5 Huddersfield (West Yorks) 5 Ferryhill (Co. Durham) 4 Deighton (West Yorks) 4 Darlington (Co Durham) 3 Chester le Street (Co Durham) 3 Cross Gates (West Yorks) 3 Dewsbury (West Yorks) 3 North East top 5 counties for missile throwing: West Yorks 100 Tyne & Wear 15 Co Durham 15 Tees Valley 12 Northumberland 10