Transport police step up Christmas antisocial behaviour campaign (From Elmbridge Guardian)

Transport police step up Christmas antisocial behaviour campaign

7:30am Sunday 20th December 2009

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British Transport Police officers in Croydon are running Operation Nebula to combat staff assaults and to encourage passengers to stay safe this festive season.

With the increased number of parties taking place across London over Christmas many people will be enjoying all the city has to offer and travel home on the railway.

Inspector Jack Ioannou, officer in charge at Croydon BTP station, said: “After a few drinks at the office party people are not as alert as they otherwise would be and this can put them in a vulnerable position if others are intent on committing crime.

“With spirits running high, sadly it is rail staff who can sometimes be at the receiving end of drunken and aggressive behaviour.

“We will push for the strongest penalties in the courts for abusive behaviour, particularly if it is directed to rail staff who are simply doing their job.”

As part of the operation, BTP’s Croydon Neighbourhood Policing Team will be handing out cards to passengers at the borough’s rail stations and tram stops, reminding them to be respectful to other passengers and rail staff, to look after themselves and to keep their belongings safe.

On the back of the credit-card sized cards are the safe travel numbers and space to write the times of your last train.

Insp Ioannou said: “Everybody wants to have fun at Christmas and we are not in the business of stopping this.

“But there is a definite line between fun and unacceptable behaviour and I want everyone to be aware that BTP will be on hand to deal with people who overstep the mark.”

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