South Western Railway has announced it has launched a new drive in which to tackle anti-social behaviour and low-level crime at ten stations across its network.

The Station Watch Scheme has been designed to create a surrounding that reassures passengers and employees, at the same, also deterring anti-social behaviour.

Following a review in the Autumn, the drive will be extended to other stations on the network.

The stations covered by the new scheme are Basingstoke, Bournemouth, Clapham Junction, Guildford, Richmond, Southampton Central, Staines, Surbiton, Wimbledon and Woking.

Each station will have a tailored plan that will include:

• Targeted patrols by South Western Railway‘s Rail Community Officers.
• Rail Community Officers delivering security awareness sessions to passengers twice a year.
• Closer partnership arrangements with Network Rail and British Transport Police.

Passengers who see any suspicious or anti-social behaviour should contact a member of staff or British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or via text on 61016. In an emergency always dial 999.

What did the officials say?

Alessandro Finistrella, Senior Security & Route Crime Manager, at SWR said:

“Travelling by train is very safe and the number of crimes on the SWR network has fallen by over 11% since March 2018. However, we are not complacent and are determined to drive down anti-social behaviour and criminality further. We all have  a role to play in making the rail network safer and we would ask everyone who uses the it to support the Station Watch Scheme.”

Paul Calvert, Network Rail station manager for Clapham Junction and Guildford, said:

‘We’re committed to working closely with our stakeholders to make sure our stations provide safe and welcoming environments for passengers on our network.

“South Western Railway’s Station Watch scheme is a great initiative which will see our station teams working closer together for the benefit of passengers.”

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