Keeping vigilant as well as visible
Police operation to keep train travel safe
POLICE have adopted new tactics to detect crime and terrorist threats on the rail networks.
British Transport Police have said their new tactics aim to ‘deter, detect and disrupt crime’ by using uniformed and plain clothes officers to patrol more frequently.
Testing ‘Project Servator’ at major stations such as Paddington, Waterloo and Euston in September has received a positive response from over 700 people, who took part in the survey asking commuters if they felt safer.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Thomas said: “For members of the public, this could mean you see a highly visible presence of officers at your station more often.
“We will turn up unannounced at railway stations to carry out patrols. The key to deterring, detecting and disrupting crime on the network is making our deployments unpredictable.”
Those travelling are urged to also help BTP by remaining alert, saying it should be 300,000 extra pairs of eyes for the force.
“You can play a vital role by being vigilant when you are travelling and reporting anything that doesn’t feel right, for example an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously”, said ACC Thomas.
Other crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are also being monitored with the new tactics, with police dogs and a network of CCTV cameras introduced to assist the police.
Transport Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said: “Our foremost priority is the safety of the British public. These new high visibility police patrols will provide security and reassurance for all travellers.
“British Transport Police and railway staff play a vital role in preventing criminal activity on the network and it is important we work together to ensure security measures across the network are up to date.”
Call 999 in an emergency or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.