East Midlands Railway: Vandals shatter train window with brick just minutes from Sheffield railway station

The smashed window, struck by a brick thrown from outside the train as it passed near a junction, was one of over 20 of incidents which have been reported on the line between Sheffield and London this year, leading operator East Midlands Railway to appeal to the public to report reckless and dangerous incidents to British Transport Police.

As well as bricks, stones and rocks smashing train windows, it has also reported items being left on tracks including microwaves, shopping trolleys and road signs, and bosses are warning lives are being put at risk.

Public urged to report incidents to British Transport Police

EMR said: “In April alone, youths caused serious damage to one of EMR's trains after they threw bricks at it off Bennerley Viaduct and days later another train sustained damage when a brick smashed one of its windows after being thrown from land near Clay Cross junction on the line to Sheffield.”

To help address these incidents, EMR is installing high-definition CCTV that can be monitored in real time by the British Transport Police and is making use of the ‘what3words’ system to identify the exact location of any illegal activity. Footage and geographical data will also be supplied by EMR to the police to assist with any criminal prosecutions. EMR's Community Rail team is helping to address the issue too by working with Network Rail's community engagement Manager and visiting schools to promote rail safety.

Railway incidents have ‘potential to endanger lives’

Lucy Gallacher, emergency planning manager at the operator, said: "These reckless acts must stop. They are incredibly dangerous for our customers and our staff. They not only have the potential to endanger lives but also lead to trains being damaged, delayed and services being cancelled.

"Even though we are putting in place a number of measures to help address the issue, the public can also play a really important part. If they see any items being thrown at trains or someone placing items on the track, they should contact British Transport Police immediately by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Eddie Carlin, embedded police inspector for the disruption and drones tasking team – East Midlands main line route at British Transport Police, said: "We do not tolerate this mindless behaviour that endangers people’s lives. We work closely with our partners at East Midlands Railway to patrol and catch those committing the crimes.

"We do this through a number of covert and overt operations and can use certain technology as deterrents. We also want to encourage parents to remind their children of the dangers of being near train tracks and the impact their actions can have. I’d encourage the public to report any incidents to us through our text number 61016, if you see a crime in progress call 999. Together we can make our railways a safer place to be.”

Last year, police increased patrols near Eccesfield after anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and vandalism increased, with British Transport Police dealing with a range of incidents from trespassing and stone-throwing to trains hitting objects, including shopping trolleys.