1. Theft of Passenger Property

Property is being stolen from passengers using the West Midlands Network, particularly from those who are careless or less security conscious.

In April 4 people reported their property stolen at the Birmingham City Centre Stations.  

On the Cross City line, whilst figures are usually lower than in the West Midlands Area in general, it is still a major cause for concern. 

In April 5 people reported their property stolen on the Cross City line.

Actions

• Stations Surgeries - Surgeries will be held throughout the year. Crime Prevention advice will be given, including property marking. Passengers are encouraged to use the Immobilise site, where they can register their property to allow for easier recovery.

• Patrols - Officers will carry out station and train patrols on a regular basis, giving crime prevention advice to vulnerable groups, for example, passengers with high value property.

• Intelligence - Police are using local intelligence to find and identify suspects who are known or suspected of such crimes.

• Partnerships - We are working with Network Rail and the Train Operating Companies to reduce the number of offences occurring.

2. Staff Assault and Aggression

We believe that all rail staff should be able to work without fear of intimidation and violence, and we will deal with these incidents robustly.

In April there were 7 incidents of aggression towards staff at the city centre stations and 3 on the cross city line.

Actions

• Investigation - All staff assaults are closely reviewed by senior officers to ensure that an efficient and timely investigation is carried out.

• Partnership - We are working with Network Rail and Train Operating Companies to reduce staff assaults through conflict management schemes.

• Education - High impact anti-knife and violent crime events have been carried out as part of the Home Office 'Teen Knife Action Plan (TKAP) Strategy' such as the 'Cutting Edge' Plays.

3. Passenger Reassurance/Begging

High Visibility - The rail network is a very safe environment, however, high visibility patrols help in preventing crime and the fear of crime. We will support and engage with all sections of our community to achieve our aim of passenger reassurance. We pay particular attention to begging which can sometimes be intimidating and even threatening to members of the public; this can increase people’s fear of becoming a victim of crime.  We take a robust stance in trying to prevent such occurrences but when necessary will prosecute offenders.

In April officers from Birmingham New Street conducted several plain clothes operations which resulted in 7 people being dealt with for begging.

Actions

• Positive Police Action- Police action is always taken when evidence of begging behaviour is apparent.

• Intelligence - Intelligence relating to people suspected or convicted of begging is forwarded for Anti Social Behaviour Order applications.

• Meetings - Begging action meetings are held bi-monthly with Local police, Council, and business representatives to tackle begging issues.

• Weekly 'Lock Down' - High-visibility operations where officers monitor the entrances and exits of a station, at vulnerable times, to prevent begging.