Police link to prevent rail crime

Staff employed to prevent crime on trains in the South East have been provided with a new system to help improve security for passengers.

Railway Enforcement Officers (REOs) on Southeastern trains now have access to the police radio network.

They can now contact British Transport Police (BTP) using two-way radios. Previously REOs relied on phones, which could be affected by poor reception.

BTP said the Airwave radio system was the first of its kind in Britain.

Southeastern's 60 REOs are trained and accredited by BTP to carry out patrols, deal with fare evasion and anti-social behaviour on trains and stations, and to reassure passengers.

Instant reporting

Since they were introduced in November 2005 they have work closely with BTP officers to boost security and helped to cut crime, a BTP spokesperson said.

Paul Nicholas, Southeastern's head of crime and security, said: "Access to the Airwave radio system will help them to work even more closely with British Transport Police in dealing with the minority of people who try to spoil using our railway for the law-abiding majority."

Using the new police radios, calls for emergency help, reports of suspicious items or assaults and crimes being committed can be made instantly.

Southeastern's radio control will be centrally run from its closed circuit television suite in central London.

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Alan Pacey said: "My hope is that this will build upon the already well-established links between BTP and Southeastern with the possibility of a similar protocol with other rail industry partners."