Wycombe top Chiltern rail crime hotspot (From Bucks Free Press)

Wycombe top Chiltern rail crime hotspot

9:03am Wednesday 2nd November 2005

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HIGH WYCOMBE train station has been labelled a crime hotspot by Chiltern Railways in a new survey.

Figures reveal the station is rated as the second worst within the Chiltern Railways area, and the third worst within the entire West Midlands region.

During the last six months, 13 rail crimes have been reported in Wycombe, including stones being thrown at trains, youngsters running across the tracks and a child lying across a foot crossing.

Chiltern Railways claims these crimes have delayed passengers at High Wycombe station for more than two hours at a time.

Seona Shuttleworth, a member of Chiltern Railways' rail crime team, said the majority of crime was being committed by youngsters and urged parents to be aware of their movements.

She said: "Rail crime is a serious issue that often results in major disruption for passengers and can even cost lives. High Wycombe is our second highest rail crime hotspot and we have a particular problem with a minority of children and young people trespassing on the line and throwing objects at trains. We appreciate that it is difficult for parents to keep track of their children all the time, particularly during holidays when they have time on their hands. However, we urge them to get the message across rail crime is dangerous and can cost lives."

Measures have been taken by rail bosses to try to combat the problem.During the summer Chiltern Railways and the British Transport Police made regular patrols of crime hotspots south of Princes Risborough, which prevented a traditional rise in rail crime during the school holidays.

The company said it has also made investments in CCTV and is working with Network Rail to identify vulnerable locations where new fencing will make access more difficult for vandals.

Rail crime can lead to a £1,000 fine or even life imprisonment.

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