Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help prevent (a) violent crime and (b) theft of personal property on railway infrastructure.

Tackling violent crime is a priority for the British Transport Police (BTP) and they are committed to taking action to prevent the theft of personal property. BTP works closely with rail industry partners to ensure that passengers and rail staff feel safe on the network.

The BTP tackles violent crime through specialist policing capabilities designed specifically to prevent crime and harm on the railways and strong partnerships with Home Office forces. They utilise a range of policing techniques including overt and covert patrols at hot spot locations, regular high-visibility patrols across the network and use internal and external intelligence to assist in targeting locations.

To help prevent theft from passengers BTP officers conduct high-visibility patrols on trains, stations, and platforms, particularly in areas with higher crime rates. These patrols serve as a deterrent and allow officers to spot and address suspicious behaviour early on.

BTP frequently runs campaigns to remind passengers to stay vigilant and keep their belongings secure. This includes visible signage, announcements, and social media alerts with tips for safeguarding personal items.