Train and Tube crime on rise
Incidents soared by nearly 12% over year
THE number of crimes on London’s trains and Tubes has soared by nearly 12% in the last year.
British Transport Police (BTP), who deal with crime on the country’s railways, recorded 10,719 offences across the capital during 2015/16, up from 9,599 the previous year.
The significant rise was revealed in the force’s annual report, which was published on Thursday September 1.
Sexual offences against women rose particularly sharply year on year, from 382 to 623.
However, BTP said this increase could be partially down to more women reporting such crimes, following concerted efforts to encourage victims to come forward – including the launch of the 61016 text reporting service.
There was also a significant increase in violent crime, up from 2,255 to 2,777, although the number of serious assaults rose by less than 5 per cent.
While many crimes rose, reports of people carrying drugs nearly halved, from 352 to 194.
Across Britain, transport crime rose by 4.35 per cent, with violent offences up by 21.29 per cent.
BTP said crime on railways in England, Scotland and Wales had risen in 2015/16 after 11 successive years of reductions, but had still gone up by less than crime across the UK as a whole.
Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “As the challenges of policing the rail network change, we must respond appropriately. While the chance of becoming a victim of crime on the rail network might be lower, we nonetheless remain determined to put even more effort into preventing crimes that cause the most fear and present the greatest threat, risk and harm.
“We are committed to ensuring the public and rail industry receive the very best, most effective policing possible.
“Through the delivery of our specialist services and the commitment and dedication of everyone who works for BTP, we continue to do everything we can to keep people safe and secure.”