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Essex-based smart security specialist, Land Sheriffs, has secured a new contract tender with Network Rail, continuing its 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 was awarded the new tender, with the additional trespass and welfare service formally included as part of the contract.
James Coyle, Managing Director of Land Sheriffs said: “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.”
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.
Coyle added: “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.”
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.
Andy Philips, Programme Manager – Route Crime & Security at Network Rail commented: “Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to making our railways safer. In the Thames Valley area, we’ve seen a 10 per cent decrease in TRUST-related incidents year-to-date and a 24 per cent reduction in delay minutes compared to last year. Your efforts play a huge part in making that possible.”
Land Sheriffs provide security services to protect critical infrastructure and public spaces, including mobile patrols, manned guarding and 24/7 CCTV monitoring from its state-of-the-art Operational Control Centre.
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
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