Warning to avoid railway lines after increase in incidents

People are being reminded to stay away and not trespass on dangerous railway lines following an increase in reported incidents.

Officers from Staffordshire Mooorlands Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were called on 30 December 2021 to Caverswall Road in Stoke-on-Trent, following reports of trespassers on the Foxfield Steam Railway line.

British Transport Police was also informed.

CCTV footage showed two male offenders walking on the line, without high-visibility clothing, entering different carriages, interfering with track levels by operating the points, as well as entering a derelict building.

Though the tracks on this line are not widely used, they are still live lines used by heavy produce wagons, and are highly dangerous.

Trespassing on railway lines is a criminal offence and anyone aged 10 and above found to be trespassing risks not only their lives, but legal prosecution and a £1,000 fine.

PC Kenny, of the Moorlands NPT, said: “Railway lines are highly dangerous places and should be respected as such.

“Thankfully, no one was injured on this occasion, but anyone trespassing on the railway is putting their lives, as well as the lives of others, at real risk of serious injury or death.”

To find out more about the dangers of railway trespass, visit: Vandalism and trespass - Network Rail