From the Bristol Evening Post
Children are being warned to stay off railway tracks during the school holiday.British Transport Police said incidents of trespassing, putting obstructions in front of trains, throwing stones and vandalising the railways became more of a problem as the amount of daylight increased.
But they said the consequences of such actions could be fatal, as well as being costly to the industry.
Officers are working with Network Rail and train operating companies to combat crime on the railways, increase detection rates and encourage parents to help teach youngsters about the dangers of the railways.
PC Clive Davies, who specialises in tackling such incidents in the West Country and South West, said: "Trains reach high speeds and can travel almost silently.
"It can take up to two miles for a train to stop on full emergency braking so, if there are any obstructions or trespassers, there is very little action that the train driver can take to prevent the potentially severe consequences.
"With all of these dangers, I hope parents will encourage children not to see the railway environment as a playground."
Network Rail runs a national No Messin! campaign promoting alternative activities for young people to prevent them getting involved in rail crime.
It also has a team which visits schools, youth offending teams, youth clubs and local authorities throughout the UK to give railway safety information.
British Transport Police said trespassing on the railway was a criminal offence which could lead to a court appearance and a ú1,000 fine.
Anyone with information about railway crime can contact the police free on 0800 405040. In an emergency they should dial 999.