PARENTS across Scotland are being urged to check on their children as groups of youths have been travelling across the network despite the country being in a national lockdown.
The British Transport Police (BTP) say they been concerned about the safety and wellbeing of children travelling unaccompanied on the network outside of the Covid regulations.
The force has been running weekly operations since January to identify and protect these children.
During this period 24 targeted operations have identified over 40 young people who were then either collected or returned home to their parents and carers.
In some cases, children as young as twelve travelled from Helensburgh to Partick and others were identified as travelling from Dalmuir to Airdrie.
READ MORE: British Transport Police warning after rise in children playing on railway lines
BTP Inspector Chris Shields said: “We urge parents and carers to ensure they know where their children are and have conversations with them to remind them of the Covid guidelines that are currently in place.
“One of the most concerning aspects from our operations has been the number of young people we spoke to that were the opposite side of the city from where they live without parental consent or knowledge.
“The railway is not a playground and large groups of youths as young as 12 years-old have resulted in increased patrols to ensure there is safeguarding in place for children and young people who are travelling on the network.
“We all have a responsibility to protect vulnerable children in our community and I would encourage people to be on the lookout for young people who might need help and report any concerns they may have so we can make sure they don’t come to any harm.
“Passengers continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting crimes and concerns by texting 61016.”
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