New campaign to help scouts learn about dangers of railway crime

SCOUTS in Grays are to learn about the dangers of railway crime in a new campaign launched by The Scout Association and Serco today.

The new Cub Scout Personal Safety badge is being launched across Britain to educate young people, their families, and the wider community about the importance of safety at train stations, and the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

The announcement comes as new data from the British Transport Police (BTP) reveals Grays as number three in a list of the 10 areas worst affected by rail crime in Britain over the past year.

A total of 59 rail offences were reported by the BTP between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008.

These offences include stone throwing, railway trespass and obstructing the railway without intent.

The majority of the rail crime incidents reported have been caused by young people either carrying out criminal acts – or who are unaware of the dangers.

A Personal Safety badge resources pack has been developed to help Cub Scout leaders in Grays demonstrate how to be safe and responsible on and around railways.

The pack is endorsed by British Transport Police and includes a number of activities and information around: Understanding rail warning signs, electricity dangers on railway, reporting railway crime, personal safety while travelling by rail and planning a rail journey.