British Transport Police (BTP) is running Operation Maine to tackle verbal and physical assaults on rail staff. It’s part of In Focus, a series of police ops on issues most important to policing – led by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Superintendent Phil Wilkinson is co-ordinating BTP’s two week activity starting on Monday, 28 October.
Supt Wilkinson said: “We know that this is an exciting time for the travelling public with Halloween-themed parties and firework displays happening all over the country, and we aren’t trying to spoil the fun. What we are doing is reminding passengers to respect the rail staff who help you get to your parties and displays, safely. Train guards, conductors, revenue staff, station staff and even drivers, who are on the front line, are faced with abuse every day, simply for carrying out their role in keeping the railway running.
“In previous years, we have seen incidents where fireworks have been set off in stations, thrown at trains and conductors, causing injuries. We do not want to see a repeat of this, which is why officers will be out in force over this two week period reassuring staff and passengers and deterring this type of mindless criminality. We see a strong link between anti-social behaviour and staff assaults, particularly when staff challenge those who evade fares. Alcohol may also play a factor in staff abuse, with those returning from events under the influence more likely to become aggressive.
“BTP takes a hard-line approach against those who assault staff, and, working closely with the rail industry partnership, we’re determined to provide a safe working environment for all.”
Andy Odell, Police and Security Liaison Officer for the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), said: “The combined efforts of train companies and BTP to reduce crime on the network continue to pay off, with a fall in crime rates for nine consecutive years. The safety of both passenger and staff is of the utmost importance to us. Rail staff should not be subjected to intimidation, threats or abuse that can be more frequent at this time of year, which is why we will continue to work with BTP in cracking down on anti-social behaviour.”
Supt. Wilkinson added: “Workplace violence is not tolerated and BTP is fully committed to tackling aggression directed at rail staff as everyone should have the right to work without fear of violence.”
