Students are going back to college and uni.
Tips
Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket
Zip up hand and shoulder bags
Carry bags in front of you with flaps against your body
Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm
Don’t display jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players
Don’t show your money — keep it safely in your pocket
Stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you when using your phone in public
Keep your luggage close by and check it regularly.
Operation Baltimore is being run across BTP (British Transport Police) areas in England, Scotland and Wales to coincide with students returning to college and in support of an Association of Chief Police Officers’ nationally co-ordinated initiative.
Leeds Chief Inspector Lorna McEwan said: “Fresher’s week is often a time for students to party as they come together for a new term. A large number of events take place, often involving a drink or two.
“We want to make sure that students and others using the rail network don’t become targets for thieves and that alcohol related anti-social behaviour does not impact on passengers and staff.
“Thieves will look for soft targets, and people who have been drinking can be less than vigilant and less aware of their surroundings.
“Students celebrating their first year at, or return to, university certainly can fall within this category, and we would urge all undergraduates to keep a close watch on their property and to be aware of the methods used by criminals who operate on the rail network.”
During the week, BTP officers will be out and about visiting universities offering crime prevention advice and ensuring that the rail system is a hostile environment for thieves, pickpockets and those who target luggage and property at busy stations.
A series of videos at www.btp.police.uk/theft and on BTP’s YouTube channel shows the common tactics thieves
As well as patrols and anti-theft surgeries, officers and civilian staff will be helping students register their electrical gadgets on immobilise.com, a website that helps police reunite people with lost or stolen items.
CI McEwan added: “Crime on the railway is relatively low, but there is a criminal element who will seek to exploit the busy rail network for gain.
“By understanding the tactics used by thieves and the increased vulnerability caused by alcohol, students can help make the network a less profitable environment for thieves. By all means enjoy yourself, but make sure you and your property remain safe whilst travelling.”
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. We’re working hard to both target the thieves and raise customer awareness of how to keep valuables safe, particularly amongst students starting or returning to university or college.
“This is one of many joint initiatives planned to combat the rise in theft of passenger property.”
