RAIL bosses in North Yorkshire have launched a new crackdown on criminals who attack the network.

Starting this week, Railtrack has teamed up with British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Northern to take a zero-tolerance stance with people who endanger the lives of passengers and staff on the railway.

In the light of the Potters Bar rail crash, where sabotage is being considered as a possible cause, track bosses have decided to join forces to tackle what is seen as a growing problem.

Vandalism, trespass and sabotage are estimated to cost the rail industry about £250 million a year, and are responsible for more than 700,000 minutes in train delays each year, and more than 50 per cent of damage to rolling stock.

Since April last year, there have been more than 3,000 recorded offences of route crime across the rail network in Yorkshire and the North East.

These offences range from trespass to stone-throwing and placing objects on the line.

In a new drive to increase public understanding, the phrase "trespass and vandalism" will be replaced by "railway crime" to cover offences in the rail environment.

Co-ordinated in three areas, route crime will focus on all lineside offences, which up until now have been called trespass and vandalism.

Station crime will target offences in the station environment, such as staff assaults, station user security and car park theft.

On-train crime will cover walk-on baggage theft and passenger and staff security.

As part of a week of activities to highlight the new policy, British Transport Police officers are riding in train cabs and operators are making strenuous efforts to clean up hot-spot areas.

Robin Gisby, director of Railtrack Eastern Region, said: "The greatest threat to railway safety comes from vandals committing crime which puts the lives of passengers and staff at risk.

"It is for this reason that we adopt a policy of zero tolerance to railway crime."

Chief Inspector Daniel Snee, of British Transport Police, said: "A key element to solving the problem is partnership, not just the police and rail businesses, but the whole community. Whether the travelling public or people living or working near the railway, we ask for your support.

"This includes educating children to stay away from the railway and reporting to the police any suspicious or dangerous activity."

Ray Price, managing director of Arriva Trains Northern, said: "We fully support this initiative and are committed to working with our industry partners to reduce the amount of rail crime."

Updated: 12:03 Wednesday, June 19, 2002