Network Rail staff were "astounded" when they witnessed youths being "wreckless" at a Leeds train station.
Footage was shared by the rail company on Saturday, February 4, shows two youth taking a bike onto a platform at Cross Gates station before throwing it onto the track. The pair are both seen running off after using area as a "playground", a spokesperson for Network Rail said.
The company reported that last year antisocial behaviour at Cross Gates Station resulted in 300 minutes of journey delays. In many cases, objects or people were spotted too close to the track.
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Now, people at Cross Gates are being asked to be vigilant and contact British Transport Police if they see this kind of behaviour happening. Sergeant Rob Pile from British Transport Police said the "shocking" footage should be a wake up call for parents.
Vicki Beadle, Operations Risk Advisor for Network Rail said: "I was astounded to see this reckless, irresponsible behaviour so close to the tracks at Cross Gates station. The railway is no place for games, and it certainly isn’t a playground.
"Seeing these young people put their lives at risk was a staggering reminder of our collective need to educate everybody about railway safety. I’d urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the devastating consequences of trespass, vandalism and antisocial behaviour."
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "Not only can this dangerous behaviour lead to fatal or life-changing consequences for the individual, their family, and all of those involved. But it also causes enormous amounts of delay for passengers travelling to work, social events or to see loved ones.
"Over the past year, trespass, vandalism and antisocial behaviour at Cross Gates station has resulted in more than 300 minutes of train delay. That’s because when objects or people are spotted too close to the tracks, Network Rail stops or slows down all trains in the area. This can cause knock-on delays right across the network."
Sergeant Rob Pile from the British Transport Police said: "This shocking footage should act as a wake up call to parents - we need them to talk to their children and teenagers urgently about the dangers of the railway and the impact of reckless behaviour like this. Apart from the obvious danger to themselves, placing items on the tracks can potentially cause a derailment and result in serious injury and potential loss of life to passengers and rail staff.
"We have increased patrols in the area in a bid to deter behaviour like this. Those responsible should know they will be caught and face prosecution. You can help us by texting 61016 or calling us on 0800 405040 to report any incidents."
Network Rail will be working with the British Transport Police to crack down on this illegal behaviour, as well as visiting schools to educate young people on the dangers of the railway.
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