Sexual offences on trains ‘double in 5 years’

Sexual offences on trains and underground networks have more than doubled in the past five years, according to the British Transport Police (BTP).

The BBC obtained statistics from the BTP, showing 1,448 sexual offences were reported in 2016-17, up from 650 in 2012-2013.

The statistics include reports of offences on rail networks in England, Scotland, Wales and the London Underground, and were specific to sex assaults on females aged 13 and above.

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The BTP launched a campaign two years ago - named "Report It Stop It" - to tackle the issue, encouraging passengers to report "anything of a sexual nature, including rubbing, groping, masturbation, leering, sexual comments, indecent acts, or someone taking photos of you without your consent".

BTP Detective Chief Inspector Darren Malpas says the program may have led to the rise in reported crimes. "When the 'Report it to stop it' campaign launched, we fully expected to record a rise in sexual offences and it is pleasing that previously reluctant victims of sexual offences now have the confidence to report this to us," he told the BBC.

"Tackling all forms of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport is a priority for British Transport Police and we have worked hard in recent years to send a clear message to victims that they will be taken seriously and we will investigate offences."