THE British
Transport Police Officers fear a death could be imminent if graffiti vandals
continue to risk their lives venturing onto the railway. They say that recent
evidence of graffiti on the Manchester to Liverpool line demonstrates the
increasingly precious positions graffiti vandals are risking to boost their
profile.
Inspector Jayne Lewis said:- "Recent examples of graffiti on rail
stanchions (poles that hold overhead electric lines in place) on the Chat Moss
line which runs from Manchester Deal Street to Edge Hill, show the risks these
people are willing to take in a bid to gain glory among the graffiti community,
but where is the glory in being electrocuted or maimed? Apart from the fact that
this is a serious criminal offence it is extremely dangerous. Climbing onto the
railway in a bid to get their tag in ever more daring places will inevitably
result in serious injury or death. We cannot overemphasise that the railway can
be an incredibly dangerous place. Going to such lengths to vandalise the railway
is staggeringly stupid, especially given the close proximity to overhead lines.
In fact it is nothing short of miraculous that the offenders in this case were
not electrocuted."
Transport Police Officers have increased patrols in the area and continue to
work with colleagues in the rail industry to deter vandals and apprehend and
prosecute those who the indulge in any kind of criminal activity on the rail
network.
