Young people caught ‘train surfing’ along Valleys Line

YOUNG people have been caught by police “train surfing” on the Valleys Line.

British Transport Police Cardiff posted on Twitter about the incident, which happened over the weekend.

A spokesman for the Cardiff-based team said: “Youth were [sic] caught redhanded train surfing at Hengoed.”

He added: “The railway isn’t a playground, so don’t treat it like one.”

The spokesman posted that people who take part in the potentially deadly activity need to have a “reality check” and remember that the trains and tracks are real.

The incident happened on Saturday night on the line which runs from Cardiff Central, through Caerphilly and Llanbradach, to Ystrad Mynach and Hengoed, then on to Pengam, Bargoed and Rhymney.

Train surfing is also known as “train hopping” or “hitching” and means riding on the outside of a moving train or tram.

British Transport Police is the national police force for the railways.

The force has had two recent successful prosecutions against so-called “train surfers”.

Ricky Brewer was given a suspended prison sentence last month after he filmed himself jumping from a train in London into docklands.

The 18-year-old from Aldershot admitted endangering the safety of a person conveyed on the railway.

He was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on in December, where he was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Brewer was also fined £85 and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Speaking after that hearing, investigating officer PC Victoria Callaghan said: “Quite frankly, this behaviour is stupid and I would like to send the clear message that it will not be tolerated. We will work tirelessly to ensure this behaviour is stopped, otherwise it will only be a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured.”