New police teams to target train stations

5:54pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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Police teams will be based at Staines, Richmond and Raynes Park train stations as part of a £1.8m project.

Under the plans, launched today at Richmond station, British Transport Police (BTP) and South West Trains (SWT) specialist rail staff will work with police officers at stations on the SWT network.

A team of 40 rail community officers will be based at Raynes Park, Richmond, Staines, Guildford, Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth.

Each team will work alongside a BTP police constable, overseen by an area sergeant and overall inspector.

The rail community officers have passed an accreditation course and will have powers including issuing BTP penalty notices for offences such as trespass and graffiti, the power to seize alcohol from underage drinkers and dealing with antisocial behaviour.

BTP Chief Superintendent Steve Morgan said: "This scheme is a fantastic enhancement of BTP’s policing presence on the railway and will provide further reassurance for passengers.

"By having specific teams targeting dedicated lines of route, passengers can be assured of seeing a higher visibility presence on the SWT system which we believe will make great inroads in further reducing crime."