AN “alarming” number of crimes have been committed on trains and railway lines on the Fife Circle during the pandemic.

A total of 175 offences, including throwing stones at train, trespassing on the track, assault on an emergency worker, threatening and abusive behaviour, theft, carrying a knife and vandalism, were recorded in the Kingdom by the British Transport Police from March 23 to December 22 last year.

Twelve of the crimes took place at Cowdenbeath railway station, there were 11 at Lochgelly and five at Cardenden.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “The number of crimes committed on trains or rail lines in Fife during this period is very concerning indeed, particularly as they took place during the pandemic when rail services have been reduced and we have been in lockdown for part of that period.

“It is extremely worrying to know that many people were caught trespassing on rail lines in Fife.

“This is highly dangerous and completely irresponsible – it shows a complete disregard for someone’s own safety along with that of rail staff.”

The Scottish Conservatives obtained the figures through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request.

Fellow MSP Liz Smith added: "It appears that those involved had nothing better to do during the pandemic than trespass on rail lines, assault rail staff and get involved in vandalism.

“The total number of rail crimes committed in Fife in just eight months is a lot in normal times but it is difficult to comprehend this figure during the pandemic.

“It also puts rail staff and British Transport Police under pressure in having to deal with this nonsense.”

The British Transport Police have urged parents to “play their part” in ensuring they know where their children are.

A spokesperson said: “We’re working tirelessly to deter criminality and anti-social behaviour on the railway network, and we’ve recently stepped up our patrols in the Fife Circle area.

“Too many times we have seen the tragic consequences of young people ignoring the warnings about trespassing on the railway and taking risks that have resulted in terrible injuries or death, so it’s vital that parents play their part and ensure they know where their children are and what they are up to.

“Some of these incidents are incredibly dangerous – throwing objects onto the tracks or at trains puts both passengers and staff at significant risk, not to mention the thousands of pounds it can cost in repairs to trains and railway infrastructure."

They added: “Passengers and rail staff should be reassured that we are taking positive and firm action against troublemakers.

“A number of arrests have been made and we will continue being highly visible both on board train services and at stations.

“Passengers continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting crimes and concerns by texting 61016.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We work closely with the British Transport Police to tackle trespass and vandalism on our infrastructure and will always seek to prosecute anyone who abuses our railway.”

A ScotRail spokesperson said: “We deplore any kind of anti-social behaviour. It has no place on Scotland’s railway. We continue to work with British Transport Police to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour and would ask our customers to contact BTP if they see anything suspicious.”