This quad bike was thrown onto a rail track in South Lanarkshire

The Christmas safety drive is up and running despite a fall in the number of rail-related crimes.

But ScotRail says that even one violent incident is one too many.

The campaign, using plain clothes and uniform officers, will target anti-social behaviour, disorder, vandalism and violent crime.

Last year, British Transport Police used DNA to track offenders who assaulted staff.

The police and rail bosses, who have teamed up for the first time with Crimestoppers, say that by tackling minor crime there will be a greater impact on incidents of a more serious nature.

Geoff McLean, who has been a train driver for three years, said a passenger hit him with a golf club.

He added: "All sorts are put on the line, including fence posts, they also build bridges of stone in the hope of derailing the train.

Crime on the railways is real crime, it affects people who are travelling and staff who are working David Mulhern British Transport Police

"When you go into some wooded areas, it's like a shooting gallery.

"They are slinging bricks and stuff, but they don't always hit the driver's cab. There are big windows behind the cab with passengers, small children and families sitting there."

Throughout the Christmas period, there will be more patrols of train services and stations.

In addition, officers from the British Transport Police's community safety and crime reduction department will provide personal safety advice at stations across Scotland.

Assistant chief constable of British Transport Police, David Mulhern, said: "Crime on the railways is real crime, it affects people who are travelling and staff who are working.

'Simply unacceptable'

"Those who commit that crime are placing those people in danger and they are also placing themselves in danger."

He added: "Crimestoppers provides a tremendous tool to fight crime on our railways and offers both rail staff and the travelling public an alternative way to report crime in confidence.

"Rail staff have a right to feel safe at work, just as the travelling public should feel safe and secure while using the rail system. Our Christmas campaign will ensure that public safety and security are paramount.

Geoff McLean was attacked with a golf club

"I would appeal to anyone with information regarding crime on our railways to contact Crimestoppers.

"You are not just providing information that may solve crime, the reality is that you are contributing towards a safer community which is something we all strive for."

ScotRail managing director, Peter Cotton, said his company worked closely with British Transport Police to ensure customers and staff could travel and work in a safe and secure environment.

He believes the incidents, from as minor as spitting to physical assault, were "simply unacceptable".