A team of undercover and uniformed officers will patrol Walkden station over the school summer holidays to crack down on youths trespassing on the railway.
With weekly patrols four British Transport Police officers will warn young people about the dangers of playing near the railway lines and the impact throwing stones and other missiles towards trains has on the public.
Chief inspector Andrea Graham said: “The team has an in depth knowledge of geographical hot spots and will carry out plain clothes and increased visibility uniformed patrols of the areas.
“These patrols are vital to reducing disruption on the railway and the number of incidents of obstruction on the tracks and route crime involving items thrown at trains.
“Traditionally these incidents increase during the school holidays, risking lives and damaging and delaying train services. The message is clear – our officers will be out there and if you are trespassing or obstructing the railway you will be caught and dealt with.”
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“No officer wants to have to inform parents that their child is never coming home or has been badly injured because of a tragic accident whilst playing on the railway. Apart from the obvious risk to life, trespassing endangers train passengers and drivers.
“Our team will be tackling this problem head on and targeting areas where youngsters are drawn to, in a bid to crackdown on this serious problem.”
Officers are also urging parents to keep an eye on their children during the holidays and to make sure they know their whereabouts.
Ch Insp Graham added: “We are appealing to parents and guardians to help the team by warning children of the dangers of the railway and to make themselves aware of where they are congregating during the school holidays.”
