£1,000 for tip-offs to catch c2c track louts

6:00am Monday 21st July 2008

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A REWARD of £1,000 is being offered by c2c for information about anyone committing crime on the railways.

Traditionally, offences such as trespass, throwing stones, putting obstructions on rail tracks and vandalism, increase over the summer months.

But in a bid to stop it, British Transport Police will be carrying out more patrols, with c2c staff on the line between Shoebury and Fenchurch Street station in London.

Det Insp Will Jordan said: “As well as patrols with c2c staff and giving out crime prevention information on the network, our officers will also be conducting covert and plain-clothes operations with the aim of catching would-be troublemakers in the act.

“I cannot emphasise strongly enough the risks associated with this type of crime.

“These types of offences are not only costly in terms of industry delays, but can cause serious injuries or even death.”

Julian Drury, managing director for c2c, hopes the joint initiative will ensure the safety of passengers and rail staff.

He added: “Trespass, broken train windows, damage to trains and graffiti can all cause either delays or cancellations, not to mention potential dangers to customers and staff.

“We are co-ordinating this project jointly to reduce crime on the c2c line and to send out the message criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Mr Drury said a reward of £1,000 will be given to anyone who provides information about an offence, which leads to a successful prosecution.

Last year, transport police prosecuted 120 people, some as young as 12, for offences.

These included trespassing, throwing stones, obstructing trains and vandalism on the c2c line.

There were also 18 reports of endangering safety, including obstruc-ting trains by placing objects on the line and throwing stones resulting in damage to the trains.

There were 99 reports of criminal damage which included graffiti, etching and arson.

The initiative will continue throughout the year with officers targeting hotspots.

Anyone with information can call the transport police on the freephone number 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.