Railway trespassing cost North West taxpayers nearly £6m last year
New crackdown launched as delays and safety risks mount
Trespassers on the railway in the North West cost the taxpayer nearly £6m in the last year, it has been revealed.
Trespassing on railway lines is not only extremely dangerous, it is also one of the biggest contributors to delays for passenger services and freight trains.
Last year, trespass incidents across the North West region caused 141,000 minutes of delays to individual train services, the equivalent of more than three months of delayed trains.
In response, the rail industry and British Transport Police (BTP) have today, Tuesday 29th September, launched a new campaign to crack down on crimes committed by trespassers on the railway.
Network Rail will work more closely than ever with BTP, with the new collaboration set to see improved evidence collection to strengthen prosecutions, as well as a greater focus on victim impact statements to help demonstrate the impact of delays caused by railway crime.
In the North West last year, cable theft alone caused more than 330 hours of delays to trains, costing the rail industry £1.2m. Thefts can cause lengthy delays due to damage to signalling mechanisms and overhead wires, which impact the railway's ability to operate safely, affecting both passenger and freight services.
Meanwhile, vandalism and offenders obstructing trains, through deliberately placing items such as rocks and even other pieces of track on the railway, caused almost 170 hours of delays and cost more than £600,000 in delay costs in 2025/26.
Network Rail, along with train operators and BTP, have today launched the new 'Crime with Consequences' campaign to make sure potential offenders are aware they will face the full force of the law if they commit crimes on the railway, including severe fines or even prison sentences.
Across the UK, drones, sensors and smart CCTV are all helping Network Rail and the BTP identify and catch offenders faster and more consistently.
Kevin Siddell, head of crime and security for Network Rail in the North West, said: "Trespass on our railways is extremely dangerous, not just for those involved but for those responding too. These incidents also create long, unnecessary delays for passengers and the many freight trains that use the railway to provide goods for people across our region.
"Today's campaign launch is a clear warning that anyone who commits crime on the railway risks facing serious consequences for their actions."
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."
The campaign forms part of the wider rail industry's efforts to reduce trespass and rail crime and is part of the existing "No Second Chances" safety programme.