Bike thefts fuel increase in railway station crime

A RISE in public order offences and bike thefts were behind a slight increase in crimes at railway stations in the West Country, new figures show.

British Transport Police recorded 977 crimes at stations in the region last year, up eight per cent from 905 during 2017.

Public orders, which can include antisocial behaviour, made up many of the crimes, 154. This excluded Bristol Temple Meads where a breakdown could not be given for the 258 offences recorded there.

The number of public order crimes rose from 130 the previous year. Bike thefts also increased, from 153 to 161. This is despite ongoing work by forces, encouraging people to register their bikes for free and providing discounts for locks.

Violent and sexual offences decreased from 142 to 130, as did criminal damage and arson, down from 58 to 46.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell, from British Transport Police, said: “In response to a national rise in violence and knife crime, officers have conducted a number of intelligence-led operations, focussed on cutting out knife crime.

“These operations involve plainclothed and uniformed officers and have been highly successful in knives being seized and surrendered.

“Likewise, these targeted operations act as a deterrent to those intent in carrying weapons, these types of offences will be rigorously tackled and our overriding interest is protecting people who use the rail network.”

Bristol Temple Meads had the most crimes recorded last year, 258 offences, followed by

Swindon with 75, and Gloucester and Bristol Parkway, both with 65. Bath Spa had 64 crimes recorded, Salisbury and Cheltenham Spa 54 and Taunton 46.