Passengers using Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express have reported fewer incidents of theft, vandalism and graffiti, according to operator Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR).
GTR said the reductions followed measures introduced through its Antisocial Behaviour Improvement Plan, launched in 2024. The plan includes a greater visible presence from safety and enforcement teams, closer work with British Transport Police (BTP) and crime-prevention initiatives across the network.
Bike thefts down 59%
Bike thefts recorded by GTR fell by 59% year on year, the largest reduction reported by the operator. Its Cycle Surgeries, run with the BTP, provide commuters with crime-prevention advice and free security marking for bicycles.
Theft of passengers’ personal property also decreased, falling by 35% compared with the previous year.
Fewer reports of damage
Reports of vandalism and criminal damage fell from 306 to 209 incidents, a reduction of nearly one third. Reports of graffiti and etching dropped by 41%, from 252 to 147 incidents.
GTR has also increased the number of visible staff on trains and stations. The operator said it had doubled its Travel Safe Officer (TSO) team, which now numbers 110. TSOs work alongside Rail Enforcement Officers to support passengers and deter criminal activity.
GTR said a greater TSO presence at ticket gates had contributed to reductions of up to 80% in some areas in incidents known as ‘push throughs’, where a non-paying passenger forces their way through a gate behind a paying customer.
Jenny Saunders, GTR’s customer service director, said: “We’re serious about tackling antisocial behaviour of any kind across our network because we know how upsetting these crimes can be.
“Whilst these reductions are encouraging and show that our targeted action is making a difference, we know there is still a long way to go. I want to thank our colleagues who work tirelessly every day to make our network safe and would encourage customers to continue reporting crime and antisocial behaviour on our network, so we can work together to keep these numbers moving in the right direction.”