British Transport Police crackdown on unwanted sexual behaviour on the rail network

British Transport Police (BTP) will be advising commuters on how to report unwanted sexual behaviour, no matter how minor they think it is, so they can build a picture up of offenders.

Officers will be telling commuters that they can discreetly text 61016 - which is monitored by the BTP control room - to report any unwanted sexual behaviour.

This is the second phase of the force's campaign, Every Report Builds a Picture, which highlights how multiple reports from different people can help BTP build a picture of offenders – even if some of those cases don’t make it to court.

The campaign was launched in 2015 to tackle under-reporting of sexual offences. 

Research showed that following the campaign, there was an increase in reporting of sexual offences, but some victims were still unsure whether anything could or would be done to catch the offender.

Det Chief Supt Paul Furnell said: “Tackling all forms of unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway is a priority for us.

“Each report we receive provides us with valuable information which we can use to build a picture of an offender. The sooner we receive a report, the better chance we have of catching the offender.

“We want people to know that even if they think something is too small to be taken seriously by police, that is not the case. Often it allows us to notice a pattern of offending behaviour and we will take action.

“Although normally an increase in reported crime is seen as negative, we welcome the increased reporting of sexual offences. 

“This indicates an increased awareness that all types of unwanted sexual behaviour are unacceptable. More people have the confidence to report what has happened to them and know we will take them seriously.

“No incident is too small or trivial. We will always take you seriously.”

Unwanted sexual behaviour is anything that makes a person feel uncomfortable, including rubbing, groping, masturbation, leering, sexual comments and indecent acts. 

Plain clothes officers will also be looking out for any potential offenders on the network this week.

Harriotte’s story

HARRIOTTE Lane (16) was sexually assaulted at Newcastle Central station last August – she has waived her right to anonymity in a bid to encourage others to come forward and report any incident of unwanted sexual behaviour.

Harriotte was travelling back from a friend’s house on the train, excited about her GCSE results and felt very “grown up” to be travelling alone for the first time.

But this new found confidence and independence was soon to be shattered by the actions of a stranger.

As she waved to her mum across the station and walked to meet her, the stranger swiftly walked past and as he did so he sexually assaulted her by grabbing her bottom.

She emerged distraught and shaken and told her mum what had happened, unsure whether it was serious enough to report.

Mum Sarah immediately told a British Transport Police officer at the station, Harriotte identified the man - Steven Cartwright (55), of Durham - and he was apprehended on the spot.

Harriotte said: “I didn’t notice him until he was four metres in front of me. 

“As we came shoulder to shoulder he grabbed my bum. I didn’t realise at the time that it was against the law. I didn’t realise it was sexual assault. I didn’t realise I could speak up about it. Mum knew. The police were standing right behind us and were great. We instantly went across the bridge and found the man who did it.

“It really upset me. You never really think it'll happen to you.

“If any sexual assault happens, people need to stand up. I came forward – it was hard, I thought it was going to be embarrassing but I was taken very seriously.”

At the time Harriotte had no idea that just a minute before, Cartwright had also sexually assaulted a member of station staff. He eventually admitted assaulting Harriotte but denied assaulting the member of staff.

Cartwright was found guilty of the attack against the member of staff. 

He was sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on February 15 to a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £150 victim surcharge, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years and told to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days.