Gareth Jones was attacked at Prestatyn railway station

The move comes four months after a father-of-four was "left for dead" after he was attacked by a gang of teenagers at Prestatyn railway station.

Gareth Jones, 41, from Colwyn Bay suffered a fractured skull when he was hit over the head with a rock after he asked the group, who were aged between 15 and 18, to stop vandalising public property.

Officers will now travel on trains and pay unannounced visits to stations between Prestatyn and Llandudno Junction to try and catch youngsters who misbehave.

"We are primarily trying to target anti-social behaviour," said Sergeant Andy Hemmings.

We're not saying there are major problems but the railways aren't a playground Sergeant Andy Hemmings, British Transport Police

"We have noticed an increase lately in minor vandalism and incidents of anti-social behaviour."

Earlier this month Sergeant Hemmings joined other British Transport Police officers in a three-day operation across Rhyl, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay.

"As a result there were three people arrested, two reported for possession of cannabis, while 37 others were stopped and searched and 42 people ejected from railway premises," said Sgt Hemmings.

Graffiti

British Transport Police hope the scheme, which will continue until the summer, will reduce the problems with young vandals.

Many are seen loitering on trains and on railway platforms, travelling without tickets, swearing at staff and passengers and carrying out acts of vandalism and graffiti.

"We're not saying there are major problems but the railways aren't a playground," said Sgt Hemmings.