Extra patrols have cut crime on railways

"The cost of trespass and vandalism is enormous, both in terms of delays and damage to trains and the infrastructure.

"But it is the threat to lives and the safety of passengers and railway staff that is the main cause of concern."

A number of initiatives were introduced to reduce vandalism each year.

These include:

• Improving fencing
• Media campaigns on vandalism black spots
• Using Railtrack volunteers and British Transport Police to patrol areas which have been persistently vandalised
• New CCTV cameras in Leicester

Vandalism incidents in the West Midlands have ranged from stone throwing to bikes and shopping trolleys being dumped on railway lines.

Signs and equipment have also been tampered with and embankment fires have been started.