Railway police have today launched a major crackdown on trespassers.
And they have targeted a number of “hotspots” in Huddersfield and Dewsbury where the issue is a real problem.
They include Milnsbridge and Lockwood, where young people have been seen on or near the rail lines.
A specialist team of British Transport Police officers tasked with cracking down on railway trespass and ensuring children and young people keep safe and away from the railway over the school holidays.
The team of officers have already started patrolling priority areas along the Trans Pennine line from Marsden to Micklefield, focusing on Milnsbridge, Lockwood, Dewsbury and Seacroft areas, and the line from Leeds to Wyke, focusing on the Pudsey, Laisterdyke and Bowling areas, in a bid to reduce the number of incidents and will continue to police the areas during the summer holidays.
The new approach complements the ongoing engagement work officers carry out throughout the year in schools and communities warning about the dangers of playing near the railway.
Chief Insp Lorna McEwan said: “The team have an in depth knowledge of geographical hot spots in the West Yorkshire area and will carry out plain clothes and increased visibility uniformed patrols in the areas in a bid to deter people from going on the tracks.
“These patrols are vital to reducing disruption on the railway and crackdown on the number of incidents of trespass, obstruction on the tracks and route crime involving items thrown at trains.
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“The teams will work closely in partnership from colleagues from Network Rail and train operators who are often our eyes and ears. I would also like to appeal to members of the public who may see anyone trespassing on the tracks or playing near the lines to report every incident to us. We take all reports very seriously and this type of crime is a priority for us.
“Traditionally these incidents increase during the school holidays, risking lives and damaging and delaying train services.
“The message is clear – we want children and young people to remain safe this summer holiday and not risk their lives”.
Officers are also urging parents to keep an eye on their children during the holidays and to make sure they know their whereabouts.
Chief Insp McEwan added: “We are appealing to parents and guardians to help the team by warning children of the dangers of the railway and to make themselves aware of where they are playing or hanging around this school holidays.”
