‘The railway is not a playground’ – police warn parents after youngsters found breaking lockdown rules on trains

Parents and carers are being warned to check on their children after more than 40 young people – including some as young as 12 – were found breaking lockdown rules to travel on trains.

British Transport Police (BTP) said that in 24 targeted operations since January, 43 youths have either been returned home to their parents or collected after officers discovered them travelling unaccompanied and breaching coronavirus regulations.

These include children as young as 12 who travelled from Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute to Partick in Glasgow, and others who took the train from Dalmuir in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, to Airdrie in North Lanarkshire.

BTP Inspector Chris Shields said: “We urge parents and carers to ensure they know where their children are and have conversations with them to remind them of the Covid guidelines that are currently in place.

“One of the most concerning aspects from our operations has been the number of young people we spoke to that were the opposite side of the city from where they live without parental consent or knowledge.

“The railway is not a playground and large groups of youths as young as 12 years old have resulted in increased patrols to ensure there is safeguarding in place for children and young people who are traveling on the network.

“We all have a responsibility to protect vulnerable children in our community and I would encourage people to be on the lookout for young people who might need help and report any concerns they may have.

“Passengers continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting crimes and concerns by texting 61016.”

Large groups of youths were found travelling by train between council areas.

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