Travel safely by rail

Rail is the safest form of travel in Britain.

For every million journeys made on the railway, only 26 crimes are recorded. The chances of you becoming a victim of crime while using the railway are extremely low.

But if you need to, you can contact British Transport Police (BTP) by calling or sending a text to 61016. This is especially useful in situations when you may not want to or be able to make a call. Save 61016 in your phone as 'British Transport Police'.

At the station

• Report unattended bags or suspicious behaviour immediately to a police officer, a member of rail staff, or by calling BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016; if you have no phone signal and can’t find a police officer or member of staff, use a station help point.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings with you at all times.
• Avoid listening to headphones as they can prevent you from being aware of what's happening around you.
• In and around railway stations, avoid poorly lit areas and try to stay in sight of CCTV cameras or close to other people.
• Always follow instructions from rail staff; stay behind the yellow line on platforms and never cross the tracks.

On the train

• When you board the train, choose a seat in a carriage where you feel comfortable.
• Note where the emergency alarms and exits are in case you need to use them.
• Report unattended bags or suspicious behaviour immediately to a police officer or member of staff; you can also call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.
• Keep your belongings with you at all times or within sight if that’s not possible.
• If you’re leaving your seat or likely to fall asleep, keep your valuables with you and out of sight.
• Protect your privacy - giving out personal details on a mobile phone or displaying them on a luggage label, document or laptop could lead to your identity being stolen or provide useful information for thieves.
• Be careful when using on board WiFi - don’t send private information unless using a secure webpage (look out for https at the start of the webpage address and click on the padlock icon to see security settings.

Travelling at night

You should be as safe and secure travelling by rail at night as you are in the day, but we understand that it can be daunting for some people.

In response to public demand for policing on trains late at night and weekends, BTP runs regular late-night operations at stations and on services.

If you need help on your night-time journey, speak to a police officer or call BTP on 0800 40 50 40. You can also text 61016. Don’t forget, you can also speak to rail staff who work closely with police.

Alcohol

It is an offence to be drunk on a train, and you could be served a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) if you are drunk or have committed an alcohol-related offence.

You could also be refused permission to travel if you are drunk.

At the car park

• If you’re parking at or near the station, try to choose a parking bay close to an exit if you will be returning in the dark.
• Before leaving your vehicle, ensure it is securely locked and that you take all of your valuables with you or lock them away out of sight.
• If someone is meeting you at the station, make sure you know where they will be waiting. Some stations have several exits and car parks.
• If you take a taxi from the station, only use reputable taxi or mini cab companies.