Crackdown on rail trespassers on main Portsmouth to London line which caused more than six and a half days of delays in a year
New campaign launched highlighting the serious consequences for rail trespassers
Trespassers caused 9,437 minutes of delays on the South Western rail network last year with a new campaign launched to help curtail the issue.
The rail company which provides one of the main routes from Portsmouth to London is highlighting the issue after figures from Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) revealed the extent of the problem. The equivalent of around six and half days of delays on South Western was caused by trespassing causing a significant impact on customers.
The rail provider had the third highest rate of vandalism and obstruction in the country including people intentionally leaving items on the track. As well as causing delays, it has been flagged as extremely dangerous with most trains powered by an 'always on' electric third rail carrying 750 volts of direct current, which can cause severe, lifechanging injuries – or death.
A new BTP campaign ‘Crime with Consequences’ has been launched as the industry looks to crack down on the issue by highlighting the serious consequences for offenders.
Tom Desmond, Operations Director for South Western, said: “Trespass is one of the leading causes of disruption on our network, delaying our customers' journeys and costing taxpayers. Every minute of delay has a significant impact on our network.
“This campaign demonstrates the industry’s commitment of keeping the railway safe, reliable and running on time. We fully support taking firm action to deter railway crime to keep the railway running safely.
“As part of our plan to deliver more reliable journeys, we’re working with partners to reduce these types of incidents and improve our response so that we can keep services running. The launch of the new drones at London Waterloo helps us to respond more quickly, enhance safety and minimise disruption for our customers.”
The campaign will see will see improved evidence collection to strengthen prosecutions, as well a greater focus on victim impact statements to help demonstrate the impact of delays caused by railway crime. Across the network, drones, sensors and smart CCTV are also helping Network Rail and the BTP identify and catch offenders faster and more consistently.
Superintendent Darren Malpas, of British Transport Police, said: "Cable theft and associated railway crimes like trespass aren’t victimless offences. They put lives at risk, cause significant disruption to passengers and freight services, and cost the rail industry millions of pounds every year, which ultimately ends up costing the public more.
“This important campaign highlights both the dangers and consequences of criminal activity on the rail network. Those involved must understand that railway infrastructure is extremely dangerous. Anyone trespassing on the railway or attempting to steal cable risks serious injury or death. Through closer collaboration, improved intelligence, new technology and stronger evidence gathering, we’re working tirelessly to identify offenders, bring them to justice and protect the communities and passengers who rely on the railway every day."
At London Waterloo drones are being used to tackle trespass, inspect infrastructure faults and reduce disruption. Operated from Southampton the drones will provide live, high resolution and thermal imagery which will allow incidents to be assessed quickly.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: "Trespassing causes delay and frustration for thousands of passengers every year and stops people going about their daily lives. Anyone doing this on the railway is also putting themselves at serious risk of injury or death.
"It is great to see the rail industry come together with British Transport Police to make it absolutely clear that trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence. Make no mistake, offenders will be brought to justice quickly, helping to reduce disruption across the network and keep passengers moving.”
Separate data from South Western shows trespass and fatalities caused almost 14 per cent of cancellations across its network between April 2025 and June 2026.