But economic climate will bring tough challenges in the years ahead.
Figures released today (20 May) by British Transport Police (BTP) show the rail network is safer than ever with crime falling by 4.5% in 2008/09. The figures, which mark the fifth consecutive year of falling crime on the rail network, should reassure passengers and staff that the rail system is a low crime environment.
“These figures are good news for rail passengers and staff, however we are bracing for some real challenges over the next few years”, commented BTP Deputy Chief Constable Andy Trotter.
“Just about every category of crime is down, with robbery down 16% and violent crime down 2%. In addition, BTP has achieved 11 out of 11 of its national operational targets, and increased the national detection rate.
“The current recession and increasing unemployment have the potential to fuel some crime categories over the next year that we have previously seen drop off. We are particularly monitoring theft of railway property, theft from passengers and staff assaults to ensure we can respond quickly when and if we see trends change.
“Over three years ago we began creating Neighbourhood Policing Teams to respond to local concerns. We now have 72 teams operating right across the rail network providing a visible, responsive local policing service. Their hard work, along with the commitment of our partners, has been a significant factor in this year’s success.”
Nine out of BTP’s 12 crime groups (see tables) show reductions, with particular success around robbery, which is down 16%. Robbery is predominantly a London problem with 68% of all robberies reported occurring in BTP’s three London Areas. Focused police activity, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, together with the introduction of Neighbourhood Policing Teams, has resulted in dramatic reductions.
BTP has been proactive in tackling the knife carrying culture amongst some groups of young people. Operation Shield, using mobile metal detection arches and scanners, has been run at stations across the rail network. Drugs dogs are often used as part of these operations and police efforts to proactively target knife crime, as well as increased operations around anti-social behaviour hotspots and travelling football fans, account for the big increase in reported drugs offences this year.
Mr Trotter added “These results are a tribute not only to hard work of our police officers and police staff, but to the commitment and investment of the rail industry in improving the safety and security of passengers and rail staff.”
Lord Andrew Adonis, Minister of State for Transport said: “I want to thank BTP for their all their work. The overall fall in crime is positive news, but we cannot afford to be complacent.
"Rail passengers and those working on stations and trains rightly expect a safe and secure transport network and we will continue working hard with the BTP to carry on delivering a safer travelling environment for all."
Robin Gisby, Director of Operations and Customer Service for Network Rail commented: “To see railway crime down across the country is excellent news for passengers and those who live alongside the railway. Our dedicated community safety team and operational staff have worked alongside BTP to help achieve this, and we will continue to work closely with them to reduce crime further.
"Cable theft in particular continues to cause an unacceptable amount of delay to the travelling public and we are exploring a number of policing and engineering initiatives to stop it as well as continuing our partnership with Crimestoppers, offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of cable thieves."