Help make it a 'Bleak Midwinter' for thieves

Theft awareness - Midwinter will be bleak for rail thieves

Each Christmas, British Transport Police receives numerous reports of theft from on-board trains or at stations.

This year officers want to make it a 'Bleak Midwinter' for criminals by making all rail users more aware of their surroundings - and the tactics used by thieves.

Mobile phones and other electronic gadgets are high on the Christmas list of thieves, but they will also be keeping an eye out for anyone who has been shopping and leaves their new purchases unattended.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Rainey said: "Christmas is a fantastic time, but sadly there are some who have clearly never heard of 'goodwill to all men' and who are more than willing to steal gadgets, and even newly purchased presents, to fund a criminal lifestyle.

“Throughout the festive season we will have officers out and about on the rail network looking for thieves, but we need assistance from the travelling public if we are to give thieves a ‘Blue Christmas’.

“Christmas is a really busy time for the railway and most trains are packed with commuters, shoppers and people travelling in and out of towns and cities to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

“These busy trains are a perfect hunting ground for thieves and it is vital that all rail users keep a close eye on their belongings. Make sure you know where your mobile phone or MP3 player is at all times and, if you are travelling by train to do some Christmas shopping, make sure any new purchases are stored near to you at all times when on the railway.”

There are a number of other steps people can take to keep their property as safe as possible when on the rail network.

• 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 

Your IMEI number:

Keeping a note of your mobile phone or tablet IMEI number can help police return lost or stolen items to the owner.

To find your IMEI number:

• Dial *#06# on the keypad and the IMEI number will be displayed. 
• Remove the battery of the phone — the IMEI number will be identified on a sticker underneath. 
• On an iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to IMEI to find the 14 digit number. 

Then register your details on immobilise.com, which will help us identify your property.

If you think your property has been stolen:

• Stay calm and don't panic. Report it to a member of transport staff or a police officer straight away 
• Report a theft on the railway or London Underground to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 
• In an emergency, always dial 999 

To help make passengers more aware of the common tactics used by the thieves, BTP has also produced a number of videos on a dedicated website - http://www.btp.police.uk/theft.

In the run-up to Christmas, officers will be handing out luggage tags and leaflets with crime prevention advice as well as activity sheets for younger travellers.

Officers will also be encouraging passengers to register their mobile phones and electrical devices to immobilise.com, a website that helps police reunite lost or stolen items to the owner.

DCI Rainey added: “Crime is relatively low on the rail network and has been falling for the past nine years, but theft remains a problem and, to beat the criminals, it is important that BTP, rail companies and passengers all work together to limit opportunities for thieves to profit.”