TEENAGERS are being blamed for senseless attacks on trains and buses in Epping and South Morang that police warn could cause death or serious injury.
Bicycles, shopping trolleys and rocks have been thrown on to the tracks from Epping to South Morang, alarming police and delaying commuters.
Sergeant Peter Fraser of the Epping transit unit suspects teenagers were responsible and that they did not realise their crime could cause death or serious injury.
He said he was disgusted by the incidents, which started on the Epping line soon after the opening of the extension to South Morang.
“There’s no pattern that suggests it’s one group or copycat groups, but it is a lethal game,” Sergeant Fraser said.
“These teenagers are not aware of the
consequences; that they can cause serious injury or even kill someone.”
Commuters also face danger from people throwing rocks at passing buses, especially in McDonalds Road, Epping.
“The buses are travelling around 60 km/h and the first drivers know about it is when a rock hits their window in the darkness,”
Sergeant Fraser said.
“We have seen accidents result from this type of activity in the past.
“This type of behaviour is not only unacceptable but can result in serious injury or even death in the worst instance. It won’t be
tolerated.”
Sergeant Fraser said train drivers alerted Metro headquarters about obstacles on the track which had held up trains.
“They also damage trains [with the rocks] and if these are out of service it impacts on
timetables,” he said.
“Anyone caught behaving in such a negligent manner can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
He said some parents did not know what their children were doing but should take responsibility.
