Thieves and pickpockets will operate in any crowded environment
where the cover of crowds and jostling provides opportunity for
them to take bags and dip into people’s pockets without being
noticed.
While crime levels are very low on public
transport, theft and pickpocketing are the crimes that people are
most likely to experience on public transport.
As well as high-visibility policing to deter
thieves from committing offences, British Transport Police (BTP)
has Pickpocket Squad officers who are specially trained to spot the
behaviour of potential pickpockets.
In London BTP works very closely with the
Metropolitan Police and Transport for London to reduce
pickpocketing and theft.
Around the rest of the country BTP works
with train operating companies and local forces.
Victims of theft and pickpocketing
If you have been a victim of theft or
pickpocketing on public transport report it to a police officer or
a member of transport staff immediately.
You can call British Transport Police on
0800 40 50 40.
In an emergency call 999.
Making false reports of theft
Reporting a crime that did not happen is a
criminal offence. Police also work closely with the insurance
industry to deal with those who falsely claim that their phones or
belongings have been stolen.
Lost property on Tube trains and
stations
If your property has been lost on a Tube train
or station, report it as a lost item immediately to a member of
transport staff who will put you in touch with the Lost Property
department.
For more information about lost property on
the Tube go to: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/contact/871.aspx
It is an offence to report something stolen if
you actually lost it.
Lost property on mainline rail trains
and stations
If you lost your property at a rail station
you should speak to a member of staff at the station who will
direct you to the relevant lost property office.
If you lost your property on board a train you
should speak to a member of train staff or contact the train
operating company who will give you information about lost property
procedures.
It is an offence to report something stolen
if you actually lost it.
Protecting yourself against theft
Keep your valuables out of sight at all
times and make sure your bags are zipped up. If thieves and
pickpockets can’t see your valuables then it’s harder for them to
steal them.
For more information about how thieves and
pickpockets operate and how you can protect your belongings
click here
The Zip It
poster campaign which you may have seen at transport hubs
reminds passengers to protect their belongings from pickpockets in
crowded places.