Reduction in rail violence hailed

First ScotRail is fitting CCTV cameras on most of its trains

Violent assaults on Scotland's railways have fallen by 34% in the last year, according to statistics.

Figures released by the British Transport Police showed there were 202 assaults on passengers compared with 306 in the previous year.

Assaults on railway staff fell by 11% over the same period, and robberies on trains dropped by 56%.

BTP Superintendent Ronnie Mellis said high-profile train patrols were proving effective in reducing violent crime.

Assaults on railway staff in the year to 31 March were cut by 11% to 136, compared with 152 the previous year.

The statistics showed 66% of these offences were detected, with 90 offenders arrested.

High-profile and intelligence focused on train patrols have led to these impressive reductions in violent assaults, staff assaults and robberies Ronnie Mellis BTP

Robberies on trains and railway property fell 56% from 72 offences last year to 32 this year.

Mr Mellis said crime was being tackled effectively at a time when rail passenger numbers were increasing.

"These achievements have been made against the backdrop of increasing passenger numbers, with 70 million passenger journeys being made last year," he said.

'Safety paramount'

"These figures underline the successful work being undertaken jointly by the force and the train operating companies in reducing the opportunities for assaults to take place.

"High-profile and intelligence focused on train patrols have led to these impressive reductions in violent assaults, staff assaults and robberies."

First ScotRail, which provides 95% of services in Scotland, is fitting CCTV cameras on most of its trains and staff have been issued with mobile phones to provide a fast link to BTP.

A spokesman said: "One assault is one too many. Safety is paramount and we are working closely with industry partners to tackle this problem.

"We have no hesitation in bringing the perpetrators to justice."