Crime 'enforcers' take to trains

The uniformed officers will be on South Eastern trains and stations

A team of 40 uniformed officers tasked with deterring troublemakers and fare dodgers is starting work on trains and stations in the South East.

South Eastern Trains, whose services run into London from Kent and East Sussex, is the first train operator to have Rail Enforcement Officers (REOs).

The officers have the power to issue penalty fares and on-the-spot fines.

Transport Minister Derek Twigg is to despatch the first dozen REOs to their duties at Victoria Station on Thursday.

'Play key role'

"The officers have been trained to enforce railway bylaws and to follow South Eastern Trains' (SET) zero-tolerance policy on crime," said spokesman Nigel Jarrett.

The male and female REOs have accreditation from British Transport Police.

Their role is described as similar to that undertaken by community support officers working with police forces.

"They will play a key role in reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and fare evasion," said Mr Jarrett.

SET, which runs 1,700 trains a day and manages 178 stations, hopes to have 60 officers working on the network by next spring.

Chief Constable of British Transport Police Ian Johnston, said: "I am sure SET customers will benefit enormously from having these trained and trusted individuals to help keep them safe."