Don't make Halloween a fright night

Don't make Halloween a fright night for the railway

British Transport Police is calling on young people to keep frights off the line this Halloween and Bonfire Night.

In past years the annual celebrations, which coincide with the school half-term holidays, have seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and route crimes – offences on the railway including stone throwing and trespass – in the area.

Now officers are calling on youngsters to reduce the level of their mischief making.

Inspector Michelle Wedderburn, of British Transport Police, said: “Traditionally police forces see a rise in anti-social behaviour type incidents around Hallowe’en and BTP is no exception.

“Sadly this behaviour goes outside the bounds of normal Hallowe’en hi-jinks and can lead to serious incidents on the railway.

Insp Wedderburn added: “Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night should be a time of fun and we are certainly not trying to spoil that, but there is a fine line between what is fun to one person and unacceptable to another.

“BTP officers will be patrolling on trains and at stations across Greater Manchester in the run up to, and during the holidays, and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who behaves in an anti-social or criminal manner.”