Proactive drone patrols are boosting Network Rail’s fight against crime – and helping to identify other issues – on its East Midlands route.
The aerial imaging devices carry out scheduled flights to deter offences like trespass but can also spot potential access points or weaknesses in fencing.
The drones are loud and highly visible, serving as an overt deterrent to discourage unauthorised access to railway infrastructure.
Network Rail is working closely with British Transport Police in using the technology in the battle against route crime.
Drone flights are strategically timed based on incident analysis – happening at the times when trespassing is more likely. The cameras capture evidence to send back to Network Rail’s control centre in Derby – with precise location data – for further investigation.
The intelligence is also used to analyse the behaviour of trespassers and to detect vulnerabilities in the railway network’s boundary.
This insight will feed into long-term, targeted action by Network Rail to reduce disruption and improve safety across the network – in addition to pursuing criminal prosecutions.
Flights take place across the East Midlands route, including at London St Pancras station. The drones are based at Derby, Bedford and Cricklewood, and a fourth, at Kettering, will be added this month – bolstering the numbers ahead of the summer holidays.
Andy Wade, Network Rail security & crime manager, said: “The continued and increased deployment of drone technology marks a significant advancement in our intelligence-led approach to protecting the railway network. These drones are equipped with state-of-the-art optical systems, including thermal imaging and low-light capability, which enable effective surveillance and incident detection in all lighting conditions – day or night.
“This enhanced capability allows us to monitor high-risk areas with greater precision, improve response times, and strengthen our deterrence posture across both rural and urban sections of the East Midlands route.
“Working in close partnership with British Transport Police, we remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, staff, and infrastructure.”
The flights not only enhance security but also provide BTP drone pilots with valuable experience of flying in densely populated areas.
Inspector Robert Drysdale, British Transport Police, said: “We’re extremely fortunate to have this groundbreaking drone capability in the East Midlands and across the force. It is key to assisting officers before incidents occur, track side activity can be identified and dealt with quickly in order to identify offenders or potential offenders.
"We will continue to proactively look for those breaking the law throughout the summer months, and I would urge any member of the public who witnesses someone trespassing on the railway to let us know by texting us on 61016 – you could be saving their life.”
Network Rail’s other actions against trespass includes working with train companies to create action plans for known hotspots, strengthening physical boundaries and running campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers.
Image credit: Network Rail
