Crime reporting flaws highlight need for more staff - TSSA

Rail union TSSA is calling for more staff and increased budgets after new research from London TravelWatch highlighted what it described as ‘fundamental flaws in the way crime and unwanted behaviour are reported on public transport.” 

According to the study by the watchdog this is discouraging victims from coming forward - creating a significant gap in understanding the true scale of crimes taking place. The study shows that while 4 in 5 people say they would report an incident if they experienced one, in reality only 2 in 5 people do make a report. 

TSSA has been at the forefront of an extensive campaign to stop violence and abuse on the railways, be it against the public or transport workers while at the same time protecting budgets in British Transport Police.

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “This is really valuable research from London TravelWatch and it reflects many of our own concerns about the rising tide of violence and abusive behavior on our railways both in London and across the country.  

“We wholly agree that the current reporting process is fragmented and must be made clearer. Only then will we have a true picture of what passengers and rail staff are experiencing on a daily basis. 

“There is much which needs to be done, including more training for those on the front line, but in truth the big things which will make a difference are more staff on the railway and increased budgets, including for British Transport Police.”