Victoria Police have condemned a group of teenagers who were filmed hanging from moving Metro Trains carriages in Melbourne, describing the behavior as reckless and dangerous. In recent days, videos circulated on social media showed the youths accessing the rear cabs of trains and gripping exterior handles as the trains traveled through suburbs including Elsternwick, Yarraville, Newport, and the central business district.
The footage also captured the teens forcibly opening train cab doors and sounding the horn, actions described by authorities as unlawful. While the youths obscured their faces in the videos, the social media account they used was registered under one of their names.
A Victoria Police spokesperson emphasized the severe risks involved, stating that such stunts could lead to life-changing injuries or fatalities. The spokesperson also highlighted the broader dangers to commuters and drivers that result from tampering with rail infrastructure. “Showing off to your friends is never worth risking your life,” the official said. Authorities noted that while the specific legal consequences of posting such videos were unclear, offenders could potentially face charges under laws penalizing the sharing of videos depicting serious crimes, known colloquially as “post and boast” offences. These charges carry significant penalties, including the possibility of additional jail time.
Metro Trains also responded strongly to the incidents, affirming their commitment to working with police to identify those involved. A company spokesperson described the actions as “incredibly dangerous” and “illegal,” warning that trains on the Melbourne network can reach speeds up to 115 kilometers per hour, increasing the threat of severe injury or death from such conduct. The spokesperson added that extra security measures had recently been implemented to restrict unauthorized access to train cabs.
Victoria Police advised that offenders involved in the incidents face potential fines or charges but stressed that legal consequences are minor compared to the potentially fatal outcomes of the behavior. They reiterated calls for young people to avoid such risky activities, underscoring that Melbourne’s train system is not a place for dangerous stunts.
