Police crackdown on railway theft

Officers also want help tracking down thieves who target passengers on trains and at stations.

Police will mount extra uniformed and plain clothes patrols as Christmas approaches, tackling anti-social behaviour and abuse of rail staff alongside theft.

Supt Eddie Wylie said: “Traditionally we see a rise in the number of people using trains and stations at this time of year.

“Unfortunately with this we also see an increase in thieves targeting passengers on the railway.

“They often look to take advantage of people who may have consumed too much alcohol, or who may be travelling with a lot of luggage to visit family and friends, or unsuspecting shoppers carrying bags containing expensive presents home.

“We want to create a hostile environment for thieves, making it as difficult as we can for them to operate on any part of the railway network this Christmas.”

British Transport Police have issued advice videos on a new seasonal website, revealing the tactics used by railway crooks.

The clips encourage rail users to secure their valuables, keep their luggage in sight and stay alert while waiting to depart.

Police will also hand out luggage tags and leaflets filled with anti-theft advice for travellers, encouraging them to register electrical devices online.

Suspects being hunted for crime on trains include a man being sought in connection with the theft of jackets and bags from a train from Sheffield to Rotherham on Sunday, October 6.

They also want to trace a man who boarded a train at Rotherham on Friday, September 6 and alighted at Swinton with another passenger’s suitcase.

The man was seen on CCTV walking out of the station and into Lime Grove.

Supt Wylie added: “This campaign is also about education. We want people to be aware of the tactics that thieves use and how best they can safeguard themselves and look after their property on crowded trains and at stations.”

Anyone with information about the two wanted men is urged to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

Quote log number NEA/B5 of December 4 and the reference number shown on the photograph (SS07 or SS09).

To see the force’s new travel safety advice videos visit www.btp.police.uk/theft.