Assaults on rail staff 'increase'

More than 3,000 assault cases were recorded in the British Transport Police (BTP) annual report for 2006/07 - a rise of 8% on the previous year.

The police force says overall crime fell but anti-social behaviour on trains and at stations was making travellers feel less safe.

Senior officers told them not to suffer in silence but to report trouble.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Trotter, of British Transport Police (BTP), said: "An increase in low level disorder and anti-social behaviour means passengers are more likely to fear becoming a victim of crime."

This ranged from rude behaviour by individuals or groups to more serious threatening and intimidating behaviour often fuelled by alcohol, he said.

'Spittle kits'

The figures also showed that violent offences, sexual offences, hate crime and criminal damage had all increased.

Public disorder spiralled, with 6,689 offences recorded, an increase of 1,747 (34%) on the previous year.

The number of serious assaults however fell by 16%, robberies by 10% and thefts by 6%.

DCC Trotter said the police force had a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour-type offences which resulted in about 4,000 more convictions than in the previous year.

Passengers who spit at drivers and ticket collectors were warned that most staff have access to spittle kits, which enable them to take a DNA sample.

'Security improvements'

Among the 60,000 people to pass through portable metal detectors used in London, more than 300 people were arrested and 285 weapons were recovered by officers, the figures showed.

"We want the millions of passengers who depend upon the network to feel safe, as well as be safe when they are travelling," DCC Trotter said.

"I would urge passengers and staff to support our officers by reporting anti-social behaviour when they witness it rather than suffering in silence or simply ignoring it."

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "Passengers want a safe and secure transport network and we will continue working with the BTP to deliver it.

"For example, we are expanding the number of stations in the secure stations scheme and asking train operators to spend more on security improvements such as CCTV cameras, better lighting and ticket barriers."

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