BTP bids to crack down on sexual offences

The number of reported sexual offences on London’s transport network in 2014/15 increased by 29.78% compared with the previous year, the British Transport Police (BTP) reports in its Leading The Way annual report.

In 2013 the BTP launched Project Guardian in partnership with Transport for London (TfL), the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police. This initiative revealed that while 10% of Londoners experienced unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport, more than 90% did not then report it to the police.

The BTP believes its latest figures show that more crimes are now being reported as a result of Project Guardian, but says that more must be done.

To this end, the BTP launched its Report It to Stop It campaign in April. The aim is to further increase awareness of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport, what it constitutes and that it can be reported.

• For more on this, read RAIL 782, published on September 2.