South Eastern Railway urge passengers to report crime on the network
Trespassing and vandalism are partially responsible for over 1,500 hours of delays across the network
South Eastern Railways are urging customers to report cases of crime across the network.
It's after new statistics have found that trespass crime including vandalism, and obstruction caused over two months of delays to passengers, and cost the South Eastern Railway over £5 million in delay costs.
Speaking to Greatest Hits radio Safety Planning and Performance Director Scott Brightwell said:
"There are various ways that trespass or vandalism or criminal acts can actually impact the railway, and the hundreds of thousands of customers that travel in our network every day."
He added that only was it a crime, but also could be dangerous to the lives of those involved:
"If people are alongside the tracks, there is electricity in the track, that is actually a risk to life.
"Going on the railway is very dangerous and our number one concern is preserving life. So that means we have to actually stop trains, delaying them, and actually turn off the electricity whilst we make sure that people are safely off the track.
"Now, this is really not acceptable."
While some may be involved in track trespassing due to mental health issues, not knowing the risks or being under the influence, he stressed that it was still a major cause of train delays:
"None of that is really acceptable.
"Our number one priority is making sure that people are safe and we will then get people off of the railway as quickly as we can, as safely as we can with the police and emergency services.
"But it has huge knock on impacts, that's impacting people getting home, getting to work, getting to hospital appointments, we really need trespass to actually be socially unacceptable.
"It's really not okay to trespass. It's not without consequence."
He added that criminal damage was also a major factor in preventing people from getting to their destinations on time:
"There can be vandalism with objects thrown on the railway, deliberately trying to disrupt the railway operation. And again, that means customers on trains trying to get home, trying to get to work.
"Often we don't know what's happened initially. It takes us time to find out exactly what's going on and then get trains moving safely again.
"We're doing lots of things to try and prevent this, but we really need to make sure that if people are unlawfully accessing the railway, that there is a consequence. And we really need that to happen to reduce the amount of times that people are disrupted by this."
What to do if you witness a crime
To passengers who may see something concerning, Brightwell urged them to get in touch:
"Please report anything. You are our eyes and ears.
"So on every train, you will hear announcements or signage around 'see it, say it, sort it.'
"Please report that to the police.
"If you see anything untoward on our railway network, please, please report it.
"Once you've reported it, that gives us intelligence for future and it does also assist us with how we task our team."
A national campaign
The news comes as part of a national push by Network Rail and South Eastern Railways to crackdown on trespassing criminals. The 'No Second Chances' campaign is supported by South Eastern Railway, British Transport Police and the Rail Minister.
Superintendent Darren Malpas, of British Transport Police, said:
"Cable theft and associated railway crimes like trespass aren’t victimless offences. They put lives at risk, cause significant disruption to passengers and freight services, and cost the rail industry millions of pounds every year, which ultimately ends up costing the public more.
“This important campaign highlights both the dangers and consequences of criminal activity on the rail network. Those involved must understand that railway infrastructure is extremely dangerous. Anyone trespassing on the railway or attempting to steal cable risks serious injury or death. Through closer collaboration, improved intelligence, new technology and stronger evidence gathering, we’re working tirelessly to identify offenders, bring them to justice and protect the communities and passengers who rely on the railway every day."
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:
"Trespassing causes delay and frustration for thousands of passengers every year and stops people going about their daily lives. Anyone doing this on the railway is also putting themselves at serious risk of injury or death.
"It is great to see the rail industry come together with British Transport Police to make it absolutely clear that trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence. Make no mistake, offenders will be brought to justice quickly, helping to reduce disruption across the network and keep passengers moving.”