Railway trespassing in Sussex causes nearly 110,000 minutes of train delays as new crackdown launched

Railway trespassing across Sussex has caused nearly 110,000 minutes of train delays in just one year, prompting Network Rail and British Transport Police to launch a new crackdown on offenders.

New figures reveal that trespassing incidents across the Sussex rail network have increased significantly over the past five years, causing major disruption for passengers and costing millions of pounds.

During 2025/26, there were 951 trespassing incidents recorded across Sussex, compared with 715 in 2021/22.

The number of delay minutes has more than doubled during the same period, rising from 48,796 to 109,392.

The figures cover the Sussex railway network, including the Brighton Main Line and connecting routes.

Network Rail estimates that trespassing incidents in Sussex resulted in more than £8.3 million in delay-related compensation costs during 2025/26.

Drones and AI Cameras Used to Catch Trespassers

Network Rail and British Transport Police have launched a new campaign called 'Crime with Consequences', aimed at tackling trespassing, cable theft and other railway offences.

As part of efforts to reduce incidents across Sussex, police are using drones and artificial intelligence-powered CCTV cameras to locate people trespassing on railway tracks.

The technology can significantly reduce the time needed to find people reported on the tracks, with searches that previously took an hour or longer potentially completed within minutes.

It can also reduce the need to switch off power supplies and lower the risks faced by emergency responders.

An Emergency Intervention Unit, involving Network Rail staff and British Transport Police, can also respond to incidents using blue lights.

The organisations are also improving evidence gathering to support prosecutions and identify those responsible for railway crime.

Railway Crime Costs Millions

Across the national railway network, cable theft caused more than 2,100 hours of delays during 2025/26, an increase of 84 per cent compared with the previous year.

The resulting delay costs reached almost £6.8 million, double the previous year's figure.

Vandalism and deliberate obstruction of railway lines, including placing rocks and other objects on tracks, caused more than 1,200 hours of delays and cost the industry over £4 million.

Combined, cable theft, vandalism and obstruction resulted in more than £10.8 million in delay costs nationally.

Network Rail says the financial impact extends beyond the railway industry, with disruption affecting commuters, businesses, freight services and passengers travelling to important appointments.

Warning to People Trespassing on Railway Lines

Paul Langley, Head of Security, Crime and Resilience at Network Rail's Southern Region, warned that trespassing can have serious consequences.

He said: "In the south east we’re only too aware of the consequences of trespassing on the railway. It can affect thousands of people on a daily basis.

"Our message is, stay off the tracks. You're putting not only yourself at risk, but also those people who have to respond to it, and trespass-related crime not only has a huge impact on our staff working on the railway itself but also for people who just want to get to work, get home to their children, make a hospital appointment or catch a flight to the airport.”

British Transport Police Step Up Enforcement

Superintendent Darren Malpas, of British Transport Police, said: "Cable theft and associated railway crimes like trespass aren’t victimless offences. They put lives at risk, cause significant disruption to passengers and freight services, and cost the rail industry millions of pounds every year, which ultimately ends up costing the public more."

He also warned that those entering railway infrastructure illegally risk serious injury or death.

The new campaign will focus on closer cooperation between police and the railway industry, improved intelligence sharing, stronger evidence gathering and the use of new technology.

Since 2021/22, almost 24,000 trespass and obstruction-related crimes have been recorded nationally, with more than 5,800 cases successfully pursued.

Network Rail says offenders could face substantial fines or imprisonment, while the campaign aims to reduce disruption and improve safety for passengers and railway workers across Sussex.

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