TRANSPORT police are cracking down on thugs vandalising railways.

This week, the BEN revealed that two train windows have been smashed and rail lines blocked in an attempt to derail engines near Walkden in the past week.

As the summer holidays approach, British Transport Police bosses fear the problem could get worse, admitting the area is known as "bandit country".

A series of special measures will be introduced to put an end to the highly dangerous pranks which could lead to serious injuries, even death.

Yesterday, a Railtrack spokesman confirmed four powerful motorbikes have been bought by the BTP in the region, meaning officers will be at the scenes of railway crime quicker.

The 600cc cycles can be driven on and off road, providing officers with the chance to chase offenders as they try to escape.

Inspector Sefton Sadio, of BTP, said: "These will be the first response to any incident with further vehicle back-up following behind.

"The idea is as a result of trials last year which showed that the cycles have a much better response time and donot get smarled up in traffic."

The Greater Manchester area will be divided up into sectors with a motorbike responsible for covering each.

Members of the police's Child Safety Unit are also warning school pupils of the dangers of playing on railways, using graphic posters and videos to warn youngsters about the dangers of trespassing.

A Railtrack spokesman said: "We want to urge people to keep away from railways and treat them with respect.

"A railway is not a playground, it's a very dangerous place."