Teenager arrested for imitation firearm among those stopped during BTP’s intelligence-led safety-focused operation

Two men aged 18 and a woman aged 29 were among those arrested during the British Transport Police (BTP) operation at Finsbury Park to tackle robbery and other violent crimes on the rail network.

One of the 18-year-olds, from the Birmingham area, was stopped by police after they noticed him acting suspiciously. The teenager was searched, found to be in possession of a loaded BB gun, and arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.

In a separate incident, another 18-year-old man from the Kent area, was arrested on suspicion of theft by finding after his behaviour raised officer’s suspicions, and a search found him in possession of two phones, one not belonging to him.

Additionally, a woman in her 20s from the London area was arrested on suspicion of theft after a member of the public reported her watch had just been stolen to officers at the station.

The operation at Finsbury Park on Thursday (5 September) was part of the launch of BTP’s ‘Focused on Your Safety’ campaign, and was in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, local council, and train operating companies.

The campaign launch precedes the autumn and winter months, where unfortunately certain crimes see a seasonal increase, including robbery and theft. In the coming months and into the new year, BTP will conduct further complex operations across the railway network in England, Scotland, and Wales to deter would-be criminals, catch those who have committed crimes, and provide reassurance to the travelling public.

The operations can occur anywhere at any time, and use intelligence to target resources where they are most needed and create a hostile environment for would-be criminals.

These high visibility operations, featuring policing assets such as police dogs and knife arches, provide an ongoing deterrent to offenders and highlight BTP’s commitment to keeping railway staff and passengers safe. Alongside the visible presence, plain clothes officers work to make vital interventions to prevent crime and keep the railways safe.

Superintendent John Loveless said: “Tackling robbery on the railway network is a priority, wherever possible we want to prevent these crimes from happening. We will be working closely with a range of partners throughout the Autumn and Winter months to maintain a visible presence on the transport network. BTP will be deploying a variety of tactics in order to ensure passengers feel and are safe on public transport.”

“Robbery offences will never be tolerated on the railway, and BTP are working hard to reduce offending and to expedite the identification and apprehension of offenders. BTP are committed to ensuring the railway is a safe and secure environment for everyone.”

If you see something that doesn’t look right, text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. All rail passengers are encouraged to save our text-to-report 61016 number as a contact on their phones, and to download the Railway Guardian app by going to https://onelink.to/rgpress.

In an emergency, always call 999.