UK’s 10 most harmful prepare stations named after 18,000 incidents – see full record
New figures from the British Transport Police show the railway stations across the UK with the highest recorded crime rates, including assaults, thefts and drug offences
Paddington saw 852 offences last year(Image: Getty)
Fresh data from the British Transport Police has exposed the railway stations across the UK plagued by the most severe crime problems. From violent attacks to robberies and narcotics violations, certain stations witnessed more than 1,000 incidents over the previous 12 months.
Throughout Britain, nearly 18,000 offences were logged at the 30 most troubled stations, equating to approximately 50 incidents daily.
Whilst London’s principal terminals lead the rankings, major hubs beyond the capital also feature, encompassing locations in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool, the Mirror reported.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey told the Mirror: “These shocking stats underline the need for an increased presence of British Transport Police on our railways. Our members are being punched, threatened, spat at and abused simply for turning up to work and keeping the railway running. That takes a serious physical and psychological toll, and it creates an environment where both staff and passengers feel unsafe.”, reports the Express.
He emphasised the urgent requirement for enhanced security measures: “We need a properly funded British Transport Police, with a consistent and visible presence on trains and stations throughout the year, not just in response to major incidents. The horrific mass stabbing on a train diverted to Huntingdon station last year was a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by rail staff and passengers.
“The government must step in with a long-term funding plan for BTP to restore policing levels across the network, legislate for a standalone offence to deter assaults on public transport workers and end unsafe lone working practices, with a guarantee of minimum safe staffing levels.”
A Network Rail spokesperson responded: “Millions of people pass through our stations every day, and the chances of becoming a victim of crime within one of them are incredibly low. Our stations are staffed throughout the day by dedicated teams on site, supported by regular patrols by the British Transport Police (BTP) and extensive CCTV coverage. We will continue to work closely with the BTP to keep people safe.”
Meanwhile, a British Transport Police spokesperson emphasised: “Every rail passenger has the right to a safe journey, and we are committed to protecting this right. We are continually working to raise public awareness of when and how to report crime, such as using our 61016 text-to-report service.”
They added: “It’s these reports twinned with other intelligence sources that inform our patrols and operations, ensuring officers are in the right locations at the right times to deter crime and respond quickly to incidents. Passengers can be sure that our uniformed and plain clothes officers are on the railway day and night to ensure every journey is a safe one, and we remain committed to ensuring the network is a hostile environment for offenders.”
The gallery below showcases the 10 stations with the highest crime reports, ranging from public order offences to theft and violent attacks.
Full list:
- London Euston
- London Kings Cross
- London Bridge
- London St Pancras International
- Birmingham New Street
- London Paddington
- Manchester Piccadilly
- London Waterloo
- Kings Cross St Pancras Underground
- Finsbury Park
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