British Transport Police records 'shocking' rise in sex crimes that took place at Merseyside Train Stations

THOUSANDS of Train Station crimes are reported every year, and sex offences at Stations across the UK have soared to all time highs.

Figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice found that, since 2022, there have been over 100 reported sex crimes at Train Stations across Merseyside.

The British Transport Police's (BTP) 2024 annual report shows that there has been a 10% rise in recorded sexual offences against women on railways from the previous year, up from:- 2,246 to 2,475.

A survey of 2,000 people commissioned by the BTP in 2024, also found that over a third of women had been a victim of sexual harassment or sexual offending on their commute.

Despite this, a large number of women do not report their experiences, as many people feel scared or believe that their experience won't be taken seriously.

BTP Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said:- "Tackling sexual offences is our top priority at British Transport Police, and we take every report of sexual harassment or violence extremely seriously. We know that these crimes commonly go underreported, which is why we relentlessly campaign to encourage witnesses and victims to report these offences to us. With this, we expect the number of reports to continue to rise. We view this increase as a positive sign that our efforts are paying off, and that women and girls are feeling more confident to report all forms of sexual harassment and violence on the rail network to us."

In 2022, the British Transport Police logged 33 sex crimes at:- Merseyside Stations, the lowest number of crimes over the past 3 years.

A year later, this number increased to:- 38 sex crimes.

Train Stations in the area have seen another rise in sex crimes over the past year, with a total of:- 42.

Crime on the transport network hit a record high in 2024, with almost 80,000 offences recorded by the BTP in:- 2023/24.

According to the same data, around:- 25 crimes are committed each day at the 10 worst hit Train Stations in the UK.

Violent crimes and sex offences have both soared to all time highs, doubling in the last 10 years and overall, levels are 55% up on a decade earlier.

Speaking to The Mirror, the RMT union said:- "These statistics are utterly shocking and show the unacceptable levels of violence that passengers and our members face. We believe more staffing is essential to a safer railway."

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained figures on other types of crime that the BTP recorded over the last three years.

Merseyside Train Stations have seen an increase in recorded crime over the past year, with notable jumps in violence and burglary.

Some incidents of sexual offences at Train Stations may include indecent exposure or cyberflashing, which can have a lasting psychological impact on victims.

When it comes to crime on the railway, it's been identified that sexual harassment is under reported, which makes it hard for law enforcement to intervene.

Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said:- "We are working tirelessly to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour. We have patrols of uniformed and specially trained Plain Clothes Officers across the railway day and night to catch offenders and reassure passengers as they travel, along with access to over:- 150,000 cameras across the railway network, which can provide us with clear, high quality images. Each report we receive provides us with valuable information which we can use to build a picture of an offender. Often it allows us to notice a pattern of offending behaviour so we can take action. If you experience or witness sexual harassment or a sexual offence on the railway, we urge you to report it to us by texting:- '61016' or calling:- 0800405040. In an emergency, always dial:- 999."

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice provides expert claim and legal advice services for sexual abuse claims.

They operate a 24 hour helpline and an online claim form, which can be accessed on:- BTP.Police.UK.

�1.2m secured for local roads decarbonisation plan

AN award nominated Liverpool roads programme has secured �1,198,500 in grant funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for a 3rd year.

ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK is a 3 year, UK wide �30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network.

The programme has now been shortlisted as:- 'Best Small Project (Under �10m)' category by the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) a body that represents and qualifies professionals who:- plan, design, build, manage, maintain and operate transport and infrastructure.

Building on the success of the previous phases; which saw payments of:- �838,950 in 2023/24 and �1,957,500 in 2024/25; the new funding instalment will empower Liverpool City Council and its project partners to begin a new phase of the project.

The Live Labs Decarbonising Local Roads Research Programme harnesses research and innovation to support the transition to net zero carbon local roads, addressing the emissions and resilience challenges posed by the City's highways infrastructure.

The 3rd stage of the project will see a focus on minimising the carbon footprint through innovative road design, construction, and maintenance practices.

The project team will also look to test new materials and processes. Implementing cutting edge innovation projects across the city, including:- the trial of carbon saving materials and alternative construction methods.

In addition, there will be an enhancement of recycling initiatives, exploring processes aimed at recycling highways materials to reduce environmental impact.

An important element of the project is to seek more streamlined procedures. By developing and refining legal, contractual, and procurement processes it is expected the adoption of sustainable solutions can be sped up.

Following the 3rd stage of the project there will be a comprehensive research and pilot project to inform long term, low carbon road management strategies.

During Year 2 of the programme, Liverpool recorded several notable successes, including:- the trialling of Luminokrom; an innovative photoluminescent material in Everton Park, which reduces the need for traditional, energy intensive street lighting

The project also implemented demonstrator projects across areas such as:- Pinehurst Avenue, Upper Pitt Street, Millersdale Road, Alderwood Avenue, and Alderfield Drive to evaluate their carbon saving potential.

Looking ahead to Year 3, the programme will investigate further innovations such as:- LED panels on zebra crossings, new specifications for 20 mph road signage in high risk areas, as well as additional carbon-saving materials and construction techniques.

Each project will be carefully monitored and evaluated to ensure value for money and continued alignment with the Council's broader sustainability and Net Zero targets.

The project will also contribute significantly to the Council's declared climate emergency response, dovetailing with wider strategies to engage local partners and innovators in building a greener, more resilient City.

Councillor Ruth Bennett said:- "Securing this vital funding demonstrates Liverpool City Council's resolute commitment to tackling our City's carbon emissions in a way that not only benefits our environment, but also reinforces our dedication to innovation and safety on local roads. The Live Labs programme is a key part of our strategy to decarbonise highways maintenance, a major contributor to our overall emissions, while supporting our local communities and supply chains."

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British Transport Police records 'shocking' rise in sex crimes that took place at Merseyside Train Stations

�1.2m secured for local roads decarbonisation plan