Media centre

Monday 8 Aug 2005

WHERE IS YOUR CHILD?

Region & Route:

Network Rail today asked parents in Seamer to lend their support to the campaign against railway crime. Phil Graham, Area Operations Manager, Network Rail said: “Unfortunately, children are killed every year because they chose to mess about on the railway.  With our industry colleagues we are committed to reducing railway crime and preventing such needless tragedies.” Seamer is not traditionally an area associated with high levels of railway crime, but, since the start of the summer holidays there have been a spate of incidents.  Acts of vandalism have included signs being damaged and objects placed on the track.  Each of the incidents has potentially fatal consequences.  Acts of trespass have also been reported.  These include children playing ‘chicken’ on the line and people taking potentially lethal short cuts. Network Rail has written to parents and guardians asking them to highlight the dangers of messing around on the railway to their children and ensure they know where their children are playing.  This will help reduce the risk of a potential tragedy. Anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously on or near the railway should contact the British Transport Police on 0800 405040