Associated Articles Transport Problems? The British Transport Police can be contacted routinely on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, if you see anyone trespassing, stone-throwing or obstructing the railway dial 999. Participate ChiswickW4.com EalingToday.com PutneySW15.com WandsworthTown.com

British Transport Police (BTP) is stepping up patrols on the London  Underground network during the Easter school holidays as part of Operation Rhino, targeting trespassing on Tube tracks and property and stone throwing, amongst other offences.

BTP Chief Inspector Chris Dreyfus, Eastern Sector Commander, said:
“School holidays are usually times when we do see an increase in these types of offences as the railway seems to be an appealing place for youngsters to mess around. In reality, trespassing on the railway is extremely dangerous and these offences carry real penalties. To avoid risking one’s life or a possible jail term, our message is don’t access prohibited parts of the railway.”

“Our emphasis this holiday will be on using an increased police presence in the areas we know could be a problem to deter anybody who is intent on trespassing on or damaging London Underground property,” added Chief Inspector Dreyfus.

“Officers will be using all the tools at their disposal to ensure every part of the above-ground sections of the Tube can be accessed in quick-time, including mountain bikes, off-road motorcycles and helicopter patrols.”

Howard Collins, Chief Operating Officer of London Underground, said:
 “The Easter holidays are a well deserved break for young people who have been working hard at school and we don’t want them to end on a sad note.

“The railway is not a playground and trespassing on the tracks and throwing stones at trains is not only dangerous but can have serious – and sometimes fatal - consequences.  It also causes significant delays to train services and we urge Londoners to report anything untoward they see to a member of staff or a British Transport Police officer.” 

Increased patrols over Easter will be concentrated in the eastern area of the Central line from Leytonstone to Loughton and the western part of the line from Acton up to West Ruislip.

On the District line, patrols will be focused in west London at Turnham Green, Ealing Common, Chiswick Park, Wimbledon Park and East Putney. In east London, the District line will be targeted from Barking to Upminster.

Stations and surrounding areas on the Piccadilly line will also be subject to increased police presence – in west London at North Ealing and Park Royal, and in north London between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters.

The British Transport Police can be contacted routinely on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, if you see anyone trespassing, stone-throwing or obstructing the railway dial 999.

 

March 28, 2010