Crimes involving trespassing on the tracks, including cable theft, vandalism and obstruction, caused nearly five months worth of delays last year, Network Rail has said.
Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) launched Crime With Consequences on Tuesday to improve the collection of evidence to strengthen prosecutions against offenders.
It will also increase the focus on victim impact statements to help show the consequences of delays caused by railway crime.
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Trespass-related crime caused more than 3,300 hours, or nearly five months, of delays to rail passengers in 2025/26, according to figures released by Network Rail.
This caused more than £10 million in delay costs for the rail sector.
These costs correspond to the amount of money Network Rail provides to train operators to compensate for delays related to its tracks.
Cable theft caused more than 2,100 hours of delays, and delay costs doubled to £6.8 million in 2025/26.
Thefts can damage signalling mechanisms and overhead wires, resulting in potentially lengthy delays for both passengers and freight services.
Network Rail said trespass was one of the railway’s biggest causes of disruption and could have a significant impact on train performance, passengers, freight, railway staff and communities.
BTP Superintendent Darren Malpas said railway crime “put lives at risk”, adding anyone trespassing or trying to steal cable “risks serious injury or death”.
Separate figures showed 1,072 vandalism, obstruction and cable theft incidents were recorded in 2025/26, down from 1,197 the previous year.
The North and East route across Yorkshire, the North East and the Pennines had the most incidents, with 150 logged last year.
It was followed by the North West route with 123 incidents and the Wessex line with 102 incidents.
Network Rail has introduced measures to tackle trespass-related crime, including the use of hidden trespass beads in its cables in the North West to track down offenders.
It also committed a £110,000 investment earlier in September to tackle cable theft, vandalism and trespass on the East Coast Main Line through more security patrols.
The use of drones, sensors and CCTV across the network has also helped the organisation and police to identify and catch offenders.
Anit Chandarana, director for system operator at Network Rail, said: “Behind every one of these delays caused by railway crime is someone not being able to get home to their family, another person late to a job interview, or food stuck on its way to a supermarket shelf.
“Cable theft, vandalism and obstruction aren’t victimless crimes, they’re crimes against the millions of people who rely on the rail network every day.
“The rail industry is working more closely than ever with the BTP, using new technology, from concealed tracking devices to smart CCTV, to detect offences more quickly and support investigations.
“This campaign is a clear warning that anyone who commits crime on the railway risks facing serious consequences for their actions.”
Mr Malpas added: “Cable theft and associated railway crimes like trespass aren’t victimless offences.
“They put lives at risk, cause significant disruption to passengers and freight services, and cost the rail industry millions of pounds every year, which ultimately ends up costing the public more.
“This important campaign highlights both the dangers and consequences of criminal activity on the rail network.
“Those involved must understand that railway infrastructure is extremely dangerous.
“Anyone trespassing on the railway or attempting to steal cable risks serious injury or death.”
Rail minister Lord Hendy said: “Trespassing causes delay and frustration for thousands of passengers every year and stops people going about their daily lives.
“Anyone doing this on the railway is also putting themselves at serious risk of injury or death.”
He added: “Make no mistake, offenders will be brought to justice quickly, helping to reduce disruption across the network and keep passengers moving.”
