Rise in sexual crimes on trains, BTP figures reveal

Reported sexual offences on trains in England, Wale and Scotland including the London Underground (British Transport Police/BBC)

Reported sexual offences on trains in England, Wale and Scotland including the London Underground (British Transport Police/BBC)

Reported sexual offences on trains have more than doubled in the past five years, according to British Transport Police (BTP) figures obtained by the BBC.

The police statistics show 1,448 offences were reported in 2016-17, up from 650 in 2012-2013. The majority of the incidents were sexual assaults on females aged 13 and above. 

The reports cover England, Scotland and Wales and include the London Underground.

The figures came to light following a freedom of information request from BBC Radio 5 live Investigates to BTP.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren Malpas from BTP said: "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.

"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."

BTP says if you are a victim of a sexual offence on trains or the underground you can text them in confidence on 61016.