New figures show crimes involving trespass, including cable theft, vandalism and obstruction, caused over 3,300 hours of delays for passengers – equivalent to more than four months – and cost the rail sector more than £10 million in delay attribution minutes during 2025-26.
In response, the industry has launched a 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 – and that the penalties include severe fines or prison sentences.
Network Rail, BTP and the wider industry said they have been working together more closely than ever before, with the new levels of collaboration allowing a greater ability to tackle crime, identify offenders, and reduce the effect on the railway.
Part of this improved collaboration will see improved collection of evidence to strengthen prosecutions, as well a greater focus on victim impact statements to help demonstrate the effect of delays caused by railway crime.
Cable theft alone caused more than 2,100 hours of delay in 2025-26 – an increase of 84 per cent from the previous year – and cost the industry almost £6.8 million in delay costs in the same period, which were more than double the previous year. Such thefts can cause lengthy delays if signalling equipment or the OHLE is damaged.
Meanwhile, vandalism and deliberately obstructing trains – including placing debris and even other pieces of track on the railway – caused over 1,200 hours of delays and cost over £4 million in delay attribution in 2025-26.
Network Rail has introduced a number of initiatives to help combat cable theft and other crimes, including the use of hidden ‘trespass beads’ in its cables in the North West to track down offenders, and additional funding for more patrols on the East Coast Main Line.
Drones, sensors and smart CCTV are all helping Network Rail and BTP identify and catch offenders.
Anit Chandarana, director for system operator at Network Rail, said: ‘Behind every one of these delays caused by railway crime is someone not being able to get home to their family, another person late to a job interview, or food stuck on its way to a supermarket shelf. Cable theft, vandalism and obstruction aren’t victimless crimes. They’re crimes against the millions of people who rely on the rail network every day.
BTP Superintendent Darren Malpas added: ‘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.’
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