SPECIALISTS in smarter security, Land Sheriffs have secured a new contract tender with Network Rail, continuing their work across the Western Thames Valley area while expanding services to include dedicated trespass and welfare teams.

Land Sheriffs has supported Network Rail on the Thames Valley route since August 2022, initially providing 24-hour mobile patrols to monitor stations and respond to incidents.

During this time, Network Rail identified an increase in trespass events and welfare-related incidents, prompting a trial of dedicated trespass and welfare officers to provide a more proactive on-site presence.

Following the success of the trial, Land Sheriffs were awarded the new tender, with the additional trespass and welfare service formally included as part of the contract.

“We’re delighted to have been awarded the new contract supporting Network Rail. This success reflects the professionalism and dedication of our colleagues who work tirelessly to keep the railway safe. We’re proud of what the team has achieved and look forward to continuing our support in the years ahead” says James Coyle, Managing Director of Land Sheriffs.

Under the new contract, mobile teams focus on key risk periods to ensure strong response across the route, travelling in fully equipped vehicles and trained to respond to a wide range of incidents.

Alongside mobile patrols, the contract includes a dedicated trespass and welfare service at stations with the highest levels of footfall, vulnerability and operational impact, including Oxford, Reading/Reading West, Slough, Hayes & Harlington, Southall and Hanwell.

“Land Sheriffs provides a dedicated officer at each of these locations seven days a week, supported by an additional officer who can respond to emerging issues across the network. Our officers are also trained in Samaritans’ Managing Suicidal Contact, enabling them to recognise and safely engage with vulnerable individuals when welfare concerns arise” adds James.

The service is already delivering positive results, with trespass and welfare teams responding to 1,017 incidents, including 29 suicide interventions, 42 trespass incidents and 328 concern-for-welfare cases.

“Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to making our railways safer. In the Thames Valley area, we’ve seen a 10% decrease in TRUST-related incidents year-to-date and a 24% reduction in delay minutes compared to last year. Your efforts play a huge part in making that possible.” says Andy Philips, Programme Manager – Route Crime & Security at Network Rail.

Land Sheriffs provide security services to protect critical infrastructure and public spaces, including mobile patrols, manned guarding and 24/7 CCTV monitoring from their state-of-the-art Operational Control Centre.

More about Land Sheriffs: www.landsheriffs.co.uk/