BTP deputy chief constable Andy Trotter has pledged that the force will continue to work closely with Network Rail to stop youngsters trespassing and causing vandalism on the rail network.

His pledge came as Network Rail revealed shock figures which showed that more than 5,000 recorded incidents of railway crime were committed by youngsters last year and 3,089 trespass incidents invol-ved young people.

There were also 90 incidents of playing ‘chicken’ on the line, 1,063 objects thrown at trains and 1,181 objects placed on the railway.

Figures also show that young people are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of crime on the railway, with incidents increasing after school hours and during holidays.

But a Network Rail report shows that the campaign, now in its fourth year, is seeing significant success.

Overall recorded crime incidents were down by 13 per cent and in the 100 ‘hotspot’ locations where the ‘No Messin’ campaign has been targeted rail crime is down by around 30 per cent. In the 10 worst locations it is down 45 per cent.

Mr Trotter said that he welcomed the news of falling rail crime in targeted areas, but added that he was determined not to be complacent.

“We shall continue to work closely with Network Rail and other partners to educate youngsters in the extreme risks of death and injury during railway trespass and reduce such crime even further.

“Our officers work tirelessly alongside Network Rail to educate youngsters that the railway is no playground and that those who gain access to prohibited parts of the railway are putting their lives at risk.”

Fronting ‘No Messin’ is boxing champion Amir Khan, who spoke of his continued support for the campaign.

“Instead of just lecturing kids, it gives them the chance to get involved with something new for free,” he said. “The youngsters I see in my com-munity gym are learning a real skill in boxing, making new friends and keeping out of trouble.”

Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: “We’re seeing some real success in bringing down the levels of railway crime in hotspot areas, but there is much more work to be done to save lives and prevent needless injury.

“Over the summer we will once again be taking our campaign on tour to involve young people in fun activities such as football, boxing, archery, motorcycling and street dance.”

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