Crime down on Britain’s railways

The long term downward trend in crime on Britain’s rail systems has continued with a 9.1% fall in notifiable crime in 2011/12, the eighth successive year crime has gone down.

Figures for 12 crime groups published by British Transport Police today show that violent crime fell by 2.9%, whilst robberies were down 9.6% and vandalism (criminal damage) by 21.6%. Theft also fell, with theft of passengers’ property down 10.4% and theft of railway property down 12.8%.

“This has been a very successful year for BTP and the rail industry,” said Chief Constable Andy Trotter.

“This sustained downward trend in crime is a tribute to the excellent partnerships we have with rail operators, who continue to invest in the security of their customers and staff. It also reflects the hard work of BTP staff across Britain at a time when we are demanding more and more from them as budgets decline.”

The crime figures are published on the day that Secretary of State Justine Greening opened a new London CCTV Hub bringing together access to 33,000 cameras from 16 rail operators (See www.btp.presscentre.com on 17 May for further details).

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: “It’s good news for passengers that the crime rate on Britain’s railways continues to get ever lower.

“Train companies take the safety and security of their passengers and staff extremely seriously which is why they spend millions of pounds installing more helps points at stations, providing funding for British Transport Police and improving CCTV on trains.

“These figures show that this hard work is paying off, but train companies are not complacent and will continue to work with British Transport Police and other industry organisations to ensure that our railways remain as safe as they possibly can be for passengers and staff.”

In 2011/12, BTP also achieved all 11 of its national policing plan targets and 43 out of 47 local targets. National targets include reducing crime, disruption and anti-social behaviour whilst improving value for money.

Chief Constable Trotter added: “If anyone wants to see the value of successful public services, they have only to look at us. BTP has a record of consistent achievement over an extended period, whilst achieving ever greater value for money.”

Crime on the railways over the past five years has fallen by over 30%.