Police warning after trespassing at Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Swindon Police are reminding people that trespassing on a railway track is a criminal offence.

The move follows several reports from Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
The volunteer-run heritage railway has also seen a spate of criminal damage in recent months.
Trespassing on the railway is illegal and dangerous and, if caught, those who do so could be taken to court and face a fine of £1,000.
PCSO Stacey Cunningham of the North, East and Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We can’t stress enough the dangers of trespassing on a railway line.
“People should not be walking along the track or along the embankments or stopping on the track to take pictures. You may not realise it, but you are breaking the law and there are hidden dangers.
“While not a mainline track, the heritage site that is the Swindon & Cricklade Railway is still a live carriageway and is occasionally used to transport building materials along the line as part of the ongoing expansion work.
“It is disappointing to hear they have been blighted by criminal damage which has a considerable impact on how they can operate during what is already an incredibly tough time due to covid restrictions.
“The railway is a charity and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers to provide a fantastic community service.
“I’d like to appeal to those who are trespassing and carrying out the mindless acts of vandalism to consider their impact on the community and know they are breaking the law.”
Anyone who spots someone trespassing on the railway or carrying out acts of criminal damage should call the police on 101 with a description of the person, their direction of travel and any information that might assist inquiries.