BTP: Seventh year of falling crime levels

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British Transport Police in the north west is hailing a impressive seventh year of falling crime levels.

The news comes as BTP revealed its statistics for 2011/12 which show crime has dropped across the region by more than five percent – equating to more than 260 crimes.

NW Area Commander Chief Superintendent Peter Holden said: “Improving safety and security of all who travel or work upon the railway is a key objective and to achieve seven years of reductions represents a remarkable effort.

“This achievement is significant and is testament to the excellent work carried out by our officers, staff and the wider rail industry throughout the past 12 months.

“I am proud that NW Area has performed so admirably during a challenging year. We are fortunate in North West Area to have such a dedicated and professional team and it is this commitment to serving the public and carrying out duties that has led to the successes seen during the past year.

“Particularly pleasing are the reductions in sex offences and violence (13.5% and 3.3% respectively) as this means there are fewer victims of those crimes which, by their very nature, most personally affect people.

“This also means there are fewer people who have witnessed violent crime and who have been affected by violence.”

As well as the reductions for total crime, violence and sexual offences, BTP in the north west saw drops in theft of passenger property (9.7%), motor vehicle/cycle offences (7.9%), disorder (12.8%), drugs (9.2%) and criminal damage (4.8%).

There was also an 11.4% drop in route crime – trespass, objects thrown at trains and objects placed on the line – which, according to Chief Supt Holden, is directly attributable to the ongoing efforts of the BTP Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) and their work with partner agencies.

He added: “Neighbourhood Policing has been fully embedded across the region.

“This has enabled us to build on our already strong links with train operators and Network Rail which in turn has allowed us to target those areas and communities where criminal or anti-social behaviour has been identified as problematic.

“In the coming weeks and months we will be looking to further enhance our links with communities by establishing an independent advisory group, made up of people from across the north west, which will advise BTP and provide us with an impartial body which will give feedback on the way we do business and the service we provide.”

Chief Constable Andy Trotter said: “This has been a very successful year for BTP and the rail industry.

“This sustained downward trend in crime is a tribute to the excellent partnerships we have with rail operators, who continue to invest in the security of their customers and staff. It also reflects the hard work of BTP staff across Britain at a time when are demanding more and more from them as budgets decline.”

Despite the continued reductions BTP in the north west is already planning for future success and what promises to be a challenging year.

Chief Supt Holden added: “Plans are already in place for the coming year when we will focus on targets to reduce disruption to the railway, further reduce staff assaults and continue to work with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and issues at level crossings.

“There is no doubt that the next 12 months will prove challenging, particularly with the Olympics this summer and the continuing pressure on budgets, but I have confidence in everyone working on the area and know that we have the right people and skills to meet these challenges head on and record another successful year.”