Railway yobs clampdown

9:00am Friday 30th March 2007

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British Transport Police (BTP) has launched an Easter crack down on yobs who disrupt the region's railway services.

Route crime' offences - such as stone throwing, putting obstructions in front of trains, trespassing and line-side vandalism - traditionally increase at this time of year.

"When you are driving a train it is extremely frightening to have stones hit your window or strike objects lying on the track."

Paul Robinson

BTP are increasing patrols and CCTV operations after there were 157 incidents throughout the north west, during March and April last year.

"I cannot emphasise strongly enough the dangers associated with this type of crime," said BTP Insp Tony Fitzpatrick.

"We are regularly called to incidents where youngsters are badly injured and in some cases killed because they were messing about on or near the railway.

"We hope that by targeting the most prominent areas we will reduce the number of incidents and catch some of the mindless individuals responsible.

"I am urging parents and responsible adults to emphasise these dangers and ensure youngsters keep away from the track this Easter. It is worth remembering that if you are convicted you could face a maximum life imprisonment."

The campaign has the support or railway workers. Paul Robinson is a train driver with Northern Rail who has first-hand experience of stone throwing.

He explained: "When you are driving a train it is extremely frightening to have stones hit your window or strike objects lying on the track.

"Unfortunately I know only too well what it feels like having received a number of facial injuries after being showered with glass when an object came through my cab window.

"I don't think people realise the implications of what they are doing or what it is like to be a driver or passenger inside a train when an object smashes through the window. If they experienced it I'm sure they would not do it again."

Anyone with information about a railway crime should contact BTP on 0800 405 040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.