Security experts, Land Sheriffs, have reached a major milestone, having made over 500 potentially life-saving interventions across the UK rail network.
Land Sheriffs provide manned security at railway stations throughout the South East and beyond. Their officers are frequently called upon to support vulnerable individuals who arrive at stations in deep emotional distress and may be contemplating suicide.
On 6th November 2025, the company reported their 500th potentially life-saving intervention since 2005.
“Whilst this is a very sombre milestone, it also reflects the extraordinary work of our frontline team. The rail network is used by millions of commuters each day and our team are ready to help protect and support them in any capacity” says James Coyle, Managing Director of Land Sheriffs.
Though society has become more open and understanding about mental health challenges, suicide remains the single leading cause of death for people under 35 in the UK. For men, it is the biggest killer of those aged under 50.
Earlier this year, Land Sheriffs introduced a Trespass & Welfare Team to help prevent trespassing on train tracks to protect the welfare of vulnerable individuals, station staff and network users.
The team is deployed across the Western route from Oxford to Acton. In just 6 months, the team have carried out 14 of those 500 interventions.
“Land Sheriffs’ 500th lifesaving intervention is a powerful reminder of the critical work their Trespass & Welfare Officers carry out every day. The dedication shown across the Thames Valley demonstrates an unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals” says Mohamed Rage, Community Safety Manager at rail operator, Western Route.
“We are proud to partner with Land Sheriffs as our trusted security provider on the Elizabeth line. Reaching the milestone of 500 life-saving interventions is not just a number but a testament to the team’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring the wellbeing of all passengers” adds Sultana Pasha, Safeguarding Manager at rail operator, GTS.
Land Sheriffs’ security officers receive Samaritan’s training in Managing Suicidal Contact (MSC), which helps them to identify, engage and support vulnerable individuals.
“The hard work and commitment of Land Sheriff’s to keep people safe on the rail network is remarkable. At Samaritans we are dedicated to working with people across the industry to ensure that fewer people die by suicide” says Dave Brown, Head of Rail Programme at Samaritans.
Land Sheriffs also partner with mental health and suicide prevention charity, PTSD999, who comment that Land Sheriffs’ 500th intervention “serves as a powerful testament to the critical work being done every day” and “highlights the reality of the mental health crisis we face.”
“These powerful statistics are a stark reminder of why an active security presence by trained and experienced staff is so critical to everyone safety and the networks’ ability to function. We are immensely proud of all our colleagues whose courage and compassion have helped ensure the safety of over 500 people at a time when they needed it most” concludes James Coyle, Managing Director of Land Sheriffs.
