Warning To Kids Playing On Railway Lines
Children spotted on the tracks in Wishaw during the school holidays
Police say school kids were putting their lives on the line playing on railway tracks near Wishaw during the holidays last week.
They say a gang of up to 9 were spotted trespassing last Thursday afternoon near Dimsdale Road, in Wishaw.
A short time later when the 16.21 Lanark to Glasgow service arrived at Motherwell station it was found that one of the windows had been broken - most likely by a stone thrown at it.
British Transport Police Inspector Gary Brown, who is responsible for policing the railway in the area, said: “t is enormously worrying that children of school-age are putting themselves in grave danger by trespassing.
“They seem to be oblivious to the risks that trespassing and playing near the railway presents and seriously endanger the safety of other rail users. The foolishness of their actions cannot be underestimated.
“The real dangers of trespassing have been highlighted by this incident and as well as being extremely dangerous and illegal there is the distinct possibility that services will be delayed as a consequence.
“Trespassers also need to be aware that there are 25,000 volts passing through overhead power lines, which is more than enough to kill. You don’t even need to touch the cables to be electrocuted as the electricity can arc up to several feet.”
BTP has already increased patrols in the area and now that the school holidays are over, officers will be visiting local schools to raise awareness of route crime and the dangers.
Anyone with information about criminal activity on the railway can contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.