BRITISH Transport Police officers were out and about at York Railway Station yesterday promoting a discreet way people can report trouble on train journeys.
Officers were urging passengers to save the British Transport Police’s 61016 text number.
Passengers were handed credit card-sized cards and were told how to use the simple service to report non-emergency incidents.
The text message service means passengers can discreetly report any incidents that worry them, without drawing attention to themselves.
York-based officer Sgt Tony McGhin, who led the event, said: “Over the past two years, the text message service has received in the region of 13,000 texts leading to the deployment of around 2,000 officers. The service offers passengers a more discreet way of reporting concerns which the public are using to their advantage."
He said: “On the back of the cards, which were handed out by British Transport Police on Friday at York Railway Station, are examples of text messages the public could send. The texts have to be quite specific to allow for efficient responses."
Since the number’s launch, messages received from passengers have helped lead to arrests for antisocial behaviour, drunk and disorderly behaviour, vandalism and other public order offences.
The campaign, which is backed by station staff and train operating companies, aims to increase passenger confidence, reduce crime, and increase the reporting of crime.
Current users of the service have praised the discretion with which they can report incidents. The text number allows passengers to report their concerns without drawing attention to themselves if they feel vulnerable.
Sgt McGhin added: “The text message service shows how the British Transport Police are catching up with the times. People should be able to use their phones to report concerns. The text service provides a clearer image of the incident, allowing the British Transport Police to deploy staff more effectively.
“The main aim of the scheme is to increase passenger confidence. Passengers have a right to experience train travel that is safe, secure and on time.”
Police Sergeant Tony McGhin talks to commuters at York Station about the new Make A Difference campaign which allows passengers to report crime and incidents discreetly via a text number
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