Train Crime Up For First Time In 11 Years

Railway crime has remained almost static in the last year, despite around 93 million train journeys taking place.

In Scotland, the force recorded a small increase in total crimes from 1,653 recorded in 2013/14 to 1,675 in 2014/2015, the first increase in 11 years. Theft, robbery and fraud levels are all down.

Chief Superintendent John McBride, Divisional Commander for the Scotland Division of BTP, said: "BTP officers and staff continue to deliver a first-rate service to make sure that all customers and staff arrive safe, secure and on time. The figures reflect the excellent work being undertaken, day-in day-out, by BTP officers and staff. There were 93 million passenger journeys in Scotland last year, so it is clear that the chances of becoming a victim of crime are very small.

"BTP is always looking to pioneer new and inventive ways of confronting crime. Whether that’s through the use of evidence-based policing, the work of our specialist mental health teams, the introduction of body-worn video for patrol officers, or the growing use of our 61016 text message service."

In 2004/2005 there were 10,858 victims of crime. In 2014/2015 that figure has fallen to just 6,036 – a reduction of 44%. Over the same period, passenger numbers have increased by around 47%.