A train operator and British Transport Police (BTP) are at work against railway trespass.
Iain Palmer, c2c Security Manager, said: “We know how popular the railways are during the summer, and in particular with young people who may not be used to travelling by train. That’s why we’re working with British Transport Police, to ensure everyone knows how to stay safe and to tackle any anti-social behaviour that might arise for the benefit of all our customers.”
The launch of Operation Shellshock comes a week after British Transport Police launched Operation Intruder – its national campaign to tackle trespass and route crime. BTP says that Operation Intruder has found more than half of all railway trespassers are aged between 14 and 25. The lighter evenings usually show an increase in trespass cases, some of which include vandalism. Between April and June this year BTP recorded almost 2,400 trespass incidents, of which almost 1,300 involved people aged 25 or younger.
Officers from BTP’s London and Essex coast teams are out and about during the summer, alongside colleagues from the rail company c2c, targeting those who trespass on the railway or who cause issues for the running of the network.
Superintendent Richard Moffatt said: “Historically we see a significant rise in trespass incidents during the summer. This generally coincides with the school holidays, during which time we also see an increase in incidents of route crime, such as stone throwing or placing objects on the track. To combat this we have launched Operation Shellshock and will be working with our colleagues at c2c to educate youngsters – and adults – about the dangers of trespass and route crime. We will also all be looking out for people who ignore this advice and persist in problematic or criminal behaviour.
“Those who trespass on the railway, whether to look for shortcuts or to simply hang out somewhere different, run the very real risk of suffering serious injury or even death. Trains travel at high speed, are surprisingly quiet, cannot swerve to avoid trespassers and take a long time to stop. Often by the time a trespasser notices a train is coming it is too late. Those who throw objects at trains or place items on the tracks are also problematic, though the risk they take is with the lives of others.
Bricks and even shopping trolleys have been thrown at moving trains, or concrete blocks and bikes placed on the tracks, he said. “Thankfully, to date, we have avoided a serious incident, but the risk of this type of behaviour causing a significant problem is all too real.”
During the next six weeks BTP officers will be stepping up patrols in the Greater London and Essex area and will be on the lookout – using information fed through by c2c staff – for anyone whose actions might cause problems for the railway.
