TRAIN stations in the Three Towns have been identified as hotspots for railway crime in figures release by British Transport Police.

Ardrossan Town, Saltcoats and Stevenston stations have been highlighted over levels of rail criminality after a spate of incidents over the past few years.

Most incidents involved trespassing on the line but two incidents of damage by stone throwing were reported at Saltcoats station.

Twenty-one incidents of trespassing have been reported at Ardrossan Town since 2011, 15 at Saltcoats and a massive 37 at Stevenston.

BTP revealed the shocking figures as part of their campaign in the Easter holiday period to highlight route crime offences ranging from trespassing to throwing stones and obstructions on the tracks.

Temporary Chief Superintendent John McBride urged parents and children to be wary.

He said: “Anyone who indulges in these stupid criminal activities on or near the railway put themselves in great danger as well as the lives of staff working on the rail network and passengers travelling on trains.” As well as working with local communities and its rail industry partners, BTP will be increasing high profile patrols at identified ‘hotspot’ locations.

Mark Henderson, Network Rail community safety manager for Scotland, said: “Trespassing is extremely dangerous and can have tragic consequences for those involved.

"Trains take a long time to stop and anyone struck by one is likely to be killed.

"There are 25,000 volts passing through overhead power lines – enough to kill.

“Trespassers don’t even need to touch the cables to be electrocuted as electricity can jump from the cables to nearby objects.

"Anyone who has concerns about specific locations where they know trespassers are gaining access to the railway can report them 24-hours-a-day on 08457 114141.” Temporary Chief Superintendent McBride concluded: “I am urging youngsters to stay away from the lines and asking all parents to emphasise the dangers.

"If you live near a railway line, please ask yourself if you know where your children are playing.”