Region's rail crime down

British Transport Police said anti-social behaviour fell by nine per cent and violent crime 1.3 per cent.

But thefts increased, largely due to a 37 per cent rise in cable theft.

Area commander Terry Nicholson said: “The continued reduction in crime is very good news, but economics is having its effect.

“We know that during difficult economic times acquisitive crime is likely to increase, and these figures show that.

“Cable theft is a real challenge for us, the rail industry and other utilities.

“The record price of metals on world markets has made this type of crime seem increasingly attractive, although the actual returns to the thieves are pretty modest.”

BTP’s north eastern area, which includes Yorkshire, saw a crime fall three per cent overall.