Hutt Valley Police have identified three males involved in the “train surfing” incident on Sunday 8 March 2015.
Constable Sarah Ferguson of the Hutt Valley Tactical Crime Unit says it was a pleasing result the males were identified so quickly. The three Hutt Valley teenagers have been referred through to Youth Aid for follow-up.
“Hutt Valley Police take such extreme recklessness in personal safety very seriously, and are committed in working with KiwiRail and the community to prevent similar situations. The very nature of railways means that a lapse in judgement, or simply caving into peer pressure, can have severe consequences and the Railways Act 2005 has clear guidelines regarding the required behaviour from individuals.”
KiwiRail Metro General Manager, David Shepherd says, “Thanks to the combined efforts of NZ Police and KiwiRail the offending youths have been apprehended and we will look to liaise with Youth Aid on appropriate reparation. KiwiRail takes incidents like these very seriously and has robust systems in place to help us identify trespassers and follow up with police to then prosecute within the full extent of the law. These youths are lucky to be alive after pulling such a dangerous stunt”.
Manager of TrackSAFE NZ Megan Drayton says trespassing on the rail corridor is the leading cause of public railway fatalities in New Zealand and around the world, and it is fortunate that this incident didn’t result in further deaths.
“It’s timely to remind people that the only legal place they are allowed on the railway is at a designated level crossing. Trains, particularly the electric ones in Auckland and Wellington, are deceptively quiet and so we urge people to only cross at level crossings, where protections such as signs or signals are in place to keep them safe.”
Constable Ferguson acknowledged that social media played a key role in identifying the three suspects.
“The information received from the public was invaluable with helping Police identify the offenders. It’s a great example of the value that the local community can provide to assist Police with keeping their neighbourhood safe. Social Media can be an invaluable tool to assist Police with identifying and locating offenders; however it does also run the risk of encouraging copycat offending. Police will take any further incidents seriously.”
Police welcome anyone with information on a crime to contact the Hutt Valley Police on (04) 560 2600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kevin Sinnott