Trespass and Vandalism Spike on Scotland’s Railways
Scotland’s railways face a rising tide of trouble. Trespass incidents hit 1,669 in 2021/22, up from 1,633 the previous year. Meanwhile, vandalism cases rose to 703 from 661, according to British Transport Police (BTP) figures.
Vandalism Runs Rampant on the Tracks
Crimes include stone throwing, shelter damage, fire extinguisher misuse, and graffiti. BTP officers are patrolling hard to tackle the problem. They’ve also stepped up school campaigns to warn youngsters of railway dangers.
Police and Rail Chiefs Sound the Alarm
“The railway is not a playground. Every time someone steps onto the track they risk serious, life-changing injury,” said BTP Inspector Michael Magee. “We see spikes in juvenile trespass and antisocial behaviour especially during school holidays. Safety is our priority. We urge families to talk to their loved ones.”
Allan Brooking, Network Rail’s Community Safety Manager, warned: “Trespassing can result in fatal or life-changing injuries. We work closely with police and partners to raise awareness and urge the public to stay off the tracks.”
Vital Safety Tips for Parents and Kids
- The rail network is live 24/7; overhead cables are always electrified.
- Never try to guess when a train will come—timetables only show passenger trains, not freight, which zoom past at up to 100mph anytime, day or night.
- Trespassing on tracks is illegal. Offenders risk fines up to £1,000 and a criminal record.
