BTP tackles anti-social behaviour at stations across the South

A summer campaign dedicated to removing anti-social behaviour on trainlines across the South continued throughout August with more patrols and more arrests.

British Transport Police has increased its patrols to ensure people can use the railway safely and without incident – at the same time, officers are targeting any accounts of anti-social behaviour.

The campaign has been split into three operations covering the South West, the South and the South East.

The campaign focuses on preserving public confidence on the rail network and making arrests where necessary to protect railway staff and the public from harm.

To date, there have been 28 arrests, 97 people have been made to leave railway property, and there have been 219 patrols consisting of officers patrolling stations and trains and engaging with staff.

The campaign began on Saturday 24 July and has seen a number of incidents dealt with.

On the same day the campaign began, officers seized a tomahawk and arrested two boys for being concerned in the supply of drugs in Fratton Road, Portsmouth.

On Wednesday 28 July, BTP officers and a police helicopter dealt with a trespass incident in Bournemouth. Officers searched the railway and arrested a woman on suspicion of trespass and on suspicion of carrying a knife.

The following day on a train between London and Bournemouth, officers arrested two girls for being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Superintendent Christopher Horton said: “Throughout the summer, there’s been increasing numbers of people using the railway to travel across the South to enjoy the coast and the weather.

“As always, the vast majority of journeys have been safe and peaceful. However, it’s important we support this increased use of the railway with more officers and patrols to tackle any anti-social behaviour that arises.

“Since the start of the operation in July, we’ve really stepped up our activity, and made use of our powers to eject people from stations and trains who’ve been displaying anti-social behaviour and making arrests when we’ve needed to.”