British Transport Police - Rail Enthusiasts

[RailwayWatch]

I am a Sergeant with the British Transport Police; I would be interested in the thoughts and opinions of forum members on this topic and would welcome responses as it would be very helpful at this stage.

The British Transport Police is looking to pilot a new scheme on the rail network called Railway Watch based around the North London Hub stations and covering the network out from London.

This scheme is intended to be similar to those already running at the major UK Airports and centres on Rail Enthusiasts becoming members of the scheme and helping to combat terrorism and crime on the rail network by raising awareness and reporting suspicious activity. Members would have a distinctive ID card on a lanyard with the idea that this would show Station Staff and Police that the holder was a member of the scheme while on the railway.

I recognise that the Rail Enthusiast community is well placed to notice such activity and as a group, understand the railway and are committed to its safe running. I see this scheme as a unique opportunity for Rail Enthusiasts to become part of the wider Rail family and to be recognised as the valuable resource they are when taking part in their lawful hobby.

Do you see this as a good idea and would you want to become a member?

I would appreciate your views on this scheme and would be pleased to answer any questions you have about Railway Watch, I am currently on shift and will aim to answer all posts at the earliest opportunity.

[pre65]

My first impression is, what a brilliant idea.

If I were in that area I'd be signing up for the scheme.

[Yorky]

Sounds a sensible scheme. I would be willing to participate

[LNER]

Good lets have a national scheme. Those of us not in the London area do visit the area occationaly.

[Silver Fox Phil]

Sounds like a good workable scheme on the face of it. Any initiative that will combat crime, vandalism and theft has to be good for all our communities and I would be happy to join such a scheme to make a difference.
In the past I have been a leading member of setting up a factory watch scheme in our area following serious theft by break-ins and vandalism from units on our small industrial estate. The overall effect was an almost instant reduction in crime; and by our continued efforts we have maintained a more secure environment all round. So I know these incentives work.
Good luck with your quest and I hope it succeeds.

[G6 UXU]

Hello and first of all welcome to the forum, I have been a member of the LAAS scheme for quite a few years now and it works very well I visit Heathrow and other London airports on a regular basis. A similar scheme for the rail enthusiasts would be very welcome but like LNER states it would be great to have a national scheme. Many thanks and good luck with Railway Watch.

[DSY011]

Hello Rail Watch and welcome to the Railway Forum. I also think it would be a great scheme if it was nation wide. Rail Enthusiasts also visit a number of places along the tracks and many smaller stations in the country where theft and vandalism also take place. I'm sure that we would cut down the size of the problem even if we don't stop it altogether. I would be glad to join.

[Tony]

Hello Railway Watch, At last a sensible suggestion to encompass the rail enthusiast fraternity within the security and safety envelope. I should think that the vast majority of enthusiasts would want to join such a venture, knowing they would be welcomed instead of sometimes being viewed with suspicion as now.
Where do we sign up?

[tonyharker]

As said before great idea where do I sign. Should be extended to cover the whole of the country.

[springs branch mickey]

Most people would go for this. It makes a lot more sense than the negative attitudes over the last few years. I'd sign up. I wish you well.
mickey