Railway patrol team is launched

The new taskforce will patrol trains and stations

British Transport Police (BTP) has introduced patrols on trains and at stations along the Sussex coast to reduce crime.

A BTP sergeant, four security guards and four revenue protection officers from Southern railway are targeting "hotspot locations" on a daily basis.

The aim of the team is to help reduce low-level disorder, criminal damage and fare evasion on the Southern network.

BTP said patrols in Surrey, north Sussex and London had been a success.

Supt Martin Fry said: "The existing taskforce working on the Southern line of route around Croydon has been exceptional in targeting low-level disorder and criminal damage at stations, particularly graffiti offences, as well as prolific fare evasion and offences like trespassing.

"Our hope is that this new taskforce for Sussex will be as every bit as successful as their colleagues patrolling the Southern network in London, Surrey and North Sussex.

"We will be actively deploying them wherever crime is reported."