Crackdown on rail passenger theft

British Transport Police logo Credit: BTP

Today marks the public launch of Operation Magnum, a British Transport Police campaign to help rail passengers keep valuables safe from pickpockets, gadget-grabbers and luggage thieves.

**

As part of the initiative, officers have issued video clips to help the travelling public spot 13 of the most common tricks thieves use.](http://immobilise.com/)](http://immobilise.com/)](http://immobilise.com/)**[[[

The nationwide operation was launched in June, after a pilot on the London Underground earlier this year, and looks to tackle the 16% rise in theft at stations and on trains across Britain last year, as revealed by the launch of BTP’s annual crime statistics earlier this week.

Op Magnum will see BTP officers work with train operating companies and local police forces to disrupt and deter thieves who prey on unsuspecting commuters and tourists at busy stations, thieves who brazenly snatch expensive smartphones from distracted passengers’ hands and those who steal luggage and valuables on trains.

Videos featured on the Op Magnum website (www.btp.police.uk/theft) and BTP’s YouTube channel show passengers the 13 of the most common tricks thieves use, while anti-theft surgeries, which are being held at stations across the region, will see passengers handed crime prevention leaflets with advice on how to protect themselves from thieves.

Officers and civilian staff will also be on hand to help people register their electrical gadgets to immobilise.com, a website that helps police reunite people with their lost or stolen items.

Although the operation is in its early stages, indications are that it is having an impact, with the total number of thefts across England, Scotland and Wales between June and August this year down 9.5% compared to the same period last year.

  • If you think your property has been stolen:

  • Stay calm and don't panic. Report it to a member of transport staff or a police officer straight away

  • Report a theft on the railway or London Underground to British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40

  • In an emergency, always dial 999**

  • Tips for keeping your property safe on trains:**

  • Keep purses secure and carry wallets in an inside pocket

  • Zip up hand and shoulder bags

  • Carry bags in front of you, with flaps against your body

  • Keep straps short and bags tucked under your arm

  • Don't display jewellery, mobile phones and MP3 players

  • Don't show your money - keep it safely in your pocket

  • Stay alert and aware of what's going on around you when using your phone in public

  • Keep your luggage close by and check it regularly