Calls for Increased Police Presence on Trains Following Rise in Assaults

The British Transport Police (BTP) has reported a staggering 50% increase in violent and sexual attacks on public transport over the past two years, prompting campaigner Zan Moon to advocate for enhanced surveillance and a stronger police presence on trains. A woman who experienced harassment on the London Underground expressed feeling safer while traveling in Central America than in the UK, highlighting the alarming rise in sex attacks on trains. Recent BTP data reveals that violent incidents against women and girls escalated from 7,561 in 2021 to 11,357 in 2023. The figures indicate a troubling trend, with sexual offences increasing by 10%, from 2,235 to 2,475 during the same period. Notably, reports of sexual harassment have doubled, reaching 1,908 cases. The distressing nature of these incidents has left many women feeling frightened and humiliated, often with bystanders failing to intervene. One particularly horrific case involved Ryan Johnston, who was sentenced to 14 years for raping a woman on the Tube, an attack witnessed by a child. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures on public transport. In 2022, reports of sexual offences on trains surged by 38%, with a significant proportion occurring on the Tube. Despite the grim statistics, BTP officials view the increase in reported incidents as a positive development, suggesting that women and girls are becoming more empowered to report harassment and violence. Each report aids police in identifying patterns and targeting specific areas for intervention.