British Transport Police (BTP) have issued a safety warning for parents and children about the dangers of climbing onto the sides of trains – or ‘train surfing’.
It follows the release under the Freedom of Information Act of data that shows the practice is widespread across England, Scotland and Wales. BTP recorded 89 incidents in 2015 and 13 in the first six weeks of 2016 alone – around two incidents a week.
A BTP spokesman said: ‘We would strongly urge those who think that this practice is harmless to think about the consequences of their actions, and the disruption and inconvenience it can cause to passengers.
‘The people who do so are clearly oblivious to the risks, putting their own lives in danger through their thoughtless actions. These are serious offences and it is important to remember the railway is not a playground and should not be treated as such.
‘In the run up to the Easter break, we are also asking parents and adults to take responsibility and emphasise the dangers of this type of criminality to your children, and if you live near the railway, ask yourself if you know where your children are playing?
He added: ‘This is not about stopping young people having fun – it is about keeping them safe from harm.’
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