London Underground set to become a muggers paradise

Statistics show a worrying trend of crime on London Underground rising higher than pre-pandemic levels, despite ridership not being up to full capacity.

Passengers are reporting a lack of confidence and in some cases unwillingness to travel on public transport. The report states that ‘32% of customers are worried about their personal safety while using the tube’. 

Transport staff are facing increased levels of violence.

Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of TSSA said: ‘We can’t ignore these trends and we have to point out the direct correlation between cutting back on staff and increased crime and violence on the Underground, resulting in a lack of confidence from the travelling public.

‘Public transport is essential for moving people around London and reducing air pollution, for key workers and the night time economy which brings revenue to the whole city and beyond. We call on Transport for London and the Mayor not to ignore these warning signs and invest properly in staff so passengers feel safe and confident when taking public transport. 

‘Recruitment freezes in the British Transport Police (BTP) and for London Underground staff must be reversed.

‘Crime on the London transport is a symptom of TfL’s managed decline. Londoners and passengers visiting London deserve much better than this.’

ENDS

Notes to desks:

• Latest crime statistics doc
• TSSA represents members in Transport for London, London Underground, RfLI (Elizabeth Line), Arriva Rail London and British Transport Police.
• British Transport Police have a recruitment freeze until the end of 2023.