30 arrests in operation to support station staff and passengers in East London

British Transport Police officers have made 30 arrests as part of an operation dedicated to increasing patrols at stations in East London.

Since the start of the year, Operation Steed has been dedicated to increasing patrols at West Ham, East Ham and Upton Park stations.

In total, officers conducted more than 350 high visibility patrols at the stations from January to the end of March resulting in 30 arrests.

Here operation lead, Sergeant Sadiq Ali, talks through the operation and how it helps the railway and those who use it.

The intention was to further increase BTP’s support for Transport for London staff and assist passengers.

During the operations they made 30 arrests for a variety of offences including theft, anti-social behaviour, racially aggravated offences and trespass, as well as reporting 75 people for lower level offences.

The operation was also expanded in March to include Canning Town, Stepney Green and Bow Road stations.

Throughout the month, officers conducted 78 high visibility patrols at the stations.