Vandals spraying graffiti on to trains are putting their lives at risk as well as causing inconvenience to passengers
The stark warning to the paint sprayers has come from the British Transport Police.
Over the past couple of months two trains have been defaced with graffiti sprayed right down their sides in Colchester.
Det Con Alan Reed, of the BTP, said: "For every train, that's 400 passengers inconvenienced because the train is out of action, as well as the cost of removing the graffiti."
Det Con Reed warned graffiti vandals they were in great danger from the overhead lines and fast trains passing through at 80mph.
"The electricity from the overhead power lines can arc six feet and if you're waving a metal can around near it you could get 25kV through you, which will kill you."
The latest incident was discovered by staff early in the morning and by the time police had arrived the vandals had been back to finish the job.
The train had been in the depot near Woods when it was defaced.
Anyone with information about those behind the graffiti is urged to contact the BTP on 0800 40 50 40.
Published Thursday October 17, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article