91�ȱ�

Now British Transport Police (BTP), c2c trains and the Met are hoping a new safety campaign will help cut crime on the rails, and perhaps even save lives.

They're offering a £1,000 reward for anyone who gives information leading to the successful prosecution of anyone involved in crimes like these. There'll also be increased patrols on across the c2c network, which runs through Barking and parts of Havering.

Daniel Elgar, killed at Barking station

Trespassing on tracks is a particular problem at Barking station.�� Just over 18 months ago 19 year old Daniel Elgar and 21 year old Bradley Chapman were both killed when they were hit by a District line train at the station. It’s thought they'd gone onto the tracks in order to spray graffiti late one Friday evening. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Inspector Will Jordan, from BTP, said it’s a serious issue: “I cannot emphasise strongly enough the risks associated with this type of crime.”

He continued “these kinds of offences… can cause serious injuries or even death.”

Julian Drury, who's managing director for c2c, said he hoped the initiative would help to make passengers and rail staff safer over the summer holiday period.

“Trespass, broken train windows, damage to trains and graffiti can all cause either delays or cancellations, not to mention potential dangers to customers and staff,” he said.

“We are coordinating this project jointly to try to reduce route crime offences on the c2c line and to send out the message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Last year BTP prosecuted 120 people, some as young as 12-years-old, for offences including trespassing, stone throwing, obstructing trains and vandalism on the c2c line.