British Transport Police warn children to ‘stay away’ from rail tracks

With Christmas and the school holidays almost upon us, British Transport Police is warning all youngsters to stay away from the tracks.

Traditionally, during the school holidays, BTP sees an increase in incidents of youths trespassing on the line and throwing things at trains.

These crimes are extremely dangerous for the youngsters themselves – who take risks by running across the tracks and coming into close contact with high voltage rails and cables – and passengers whose safety is compromised whenever anything is thrown at a train.

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Route crime does claim lives and BTP is working hard to tackle the issue to keep everyone on and around the railway as safe as possible.

This Christmas BTP is calling on everyone – youngsters and parents – to make the festive season a happy and safe one.

Chief Insp. Eddie Wylie said: “It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure children do not trespass on the railway and do not put others at risk of harm by throwing things at trains.

“We have done a lot of work in schools during the past weeks and months and all children should know of the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

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“But I want all parents to join us in telling their children just how dangerous the railway can be. It is also the responsibility of parents to know what their children are up to during the school break.

“For our part, BTP will be out and about during the Christmas period, patrolling at hot spot locations and working with Network Rail and train operating companies to limit opportunities for youngsters to cause problems.”

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