Young people commit more than 100 rail crimes a week
Ross Watson
Monday, April 6, 2009
More than 5,000 rail crimes were committed by young people last year, according to the latest research.
The statistics show that, although there has been an overall drop of 13 per cent in recorded rail crime incidents, young people are still committing more than 100 a week. Crimes include breeze blocks being dropped on trains from bridges, golf balls being thrown at trains and sofas left in the middle of the tracks.
The findings come as Network Rail prepares to launch the fourth year of anti-rail crime campaign, No Messin'.
"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," said Iain Coucher, Network Rail chief executive.
Network Rail's community safety team will work with local police, sports clubs, schools and community groups across the country during the Easter holidays. The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of taking risks on the tracks and get young people involved in more fun activities.
