Stone-wielding youths using train tracks concern police

I had a conversation with a member of our community this week that disturbed me greatly. Apparently some area youths are frequenting the train tracks near Main Street, Carruthers Road and Dayfoot Drive in Georgetown. While on the train tracks, these youths are throwing railway rocks into nearby windows and properties, then boarding and crossing moving trains to elude upset property owners. The property damage is a Criminal Code offence-- mischief. Walking on the train tracks is a provincial offence-- trespassing. Toying with trains is just not smart. But what I'd rather talk about is how trains can't brake and avoid, or stop for people on their tracks. The average 150 car freight train traveling at 59 km/h takes approximately 960 metres to stop. Last year alone 83 trespassing persons were involved in train collisions, with 64 fatalities and 18 seriously injured. In Halton Hills, I personally have attended two trespassing

pedestrian fatalities involving trains. In one case I was the first officer to find the deceased person. Incidents like this forever affect families and friends who lose their loved ones, and also affect train employees and emergency service workers who carry the images and experiences with them for the rest of their lives. Next time you consider taking any risk remember that "injury" takes the lives of more

young people than all other causes combined. Contact me personally for crime prevention tips, or information regarding community concerns through 905-8785511, extension 2470, or by emailing chris.borak@hrps.on.ca. Please reserve the 911 system for emergency calls only. Const. Borak is the Halton Regional Police community support officer for District One.