Young people commit over 100 rails crimes a week
06 April 2009
New figures reveal how young people continue to risk their lives by trespassing and vandalising the railway
There were more than 5,000 recorded incidents of railway crime involving young people last year. Today, as the school Easter holidays begin, Network Rail launches its annual No Messin’ campaign to reduce railway crime and promote positive activities for young people. The campaign is fronted by boxing champion Amir Khan.
Taking short cuts, playing alongside the tracks, throwing objects at trains, placing obstructions on the line, and spraying graffiti on railway bridges, fencing and buildings, were all crimes committed by young people in 2008.
Despite these disturbing incidents, the No Messin’ campaign, now in its fourth year is seeing some significant successes. Overall, reported trespass and vandalism crimes are down around 13% on 2007, and in the 100 locations specifically targeted by Network Rail in the past year, crime is down 30%.
Network Rail's dedicated community safety team is working with local police, sports clubs, schools and community groups across the country over the two-week Easter school holidays to raise awareness of the dangers of taking risks on the tracks and get young people involved in more fun activities. These range from community payback schemes, where those convicted of trespass crimes and spraying graffiti, are made to clean up their mess under supervision, to running kids football training sessions with professional clubs such as Wycombe Wanderers.
In addition, a series of No Messin' Live! events, where a host of free sports, arts and dance activities are available to kids aged 9-16 will take place this Easter and across the summer holidays. Visit the No Messin'! website for dates and locations.
An exclusive video where Amir Khan and promising young boxer Umar Bhamji talk to No Messin’ about how Gloves Community Gym and boxing has changed their lives is now available to watch on: You Tube and the No Messin'! website
Further information
- Visit the No Messin'! website for more details