Dangers to young people on the railway 

Keeping your eyes open while you’re travelling could lead to life-changing intervention for a child in a dangerous or exploitative situation.  

Let’s go over some of the most common signs that a young person or vulnerable person could be at risk on the railway: 

• Trespassing: Trespassing on train tracks or in forbidden areas can put people in danger and could be a sign of someone experiencing a mental health crisis who needs help.  

• Fare evasion: Travelling without a ticket could be a sign that a young person is dealing with a deeper issue, like exploitation or running away from neglect or abuse at home. 

• County lines / exploitation: County Lines gangs recruit vulnerable children in places like train stations, coercing them into criminal activities, like transporting drugs and money across the country.  

• Bullying: If you see someone getting bullied in a dangerous environment like a train station, don’t ignore it. Bullying, whether verbal, physical, or online can put a young person at risk.  

• Grooming: Grooming can happen anywhere, including in public places, right under our noses. If a child is spending time with a new adult or receiving gifts from someone they don’t know, this could be a sign of exploitation.  

• Pickpocketing: Pickpockets target busy and crowded areas like train stations, where people are rushed or distracted. They often work in groups and young people could be exploited into pickpocketing.  

• Mental health crisis: if you see someone looking upset or distraught, don’t ignore it. The railway is a common place where people go to harm themselves. Reporting this to a member of staff could save their life.