Police officers will be patrolling trains between Brighton and Gatwick today in a bid to deter pickpockets, gadget-grabbers and luggage thieves.
British Transport Police (BTP) officers will also be advising passengers on how to protect themselves from thieves as part of a day of action for Operation Magnum.
New official figures show that since April property thefts have fallen by 15.4 per cent across Britain’s rail network.
Superintendent Jason Bunyard, leading the operation, said: “Thefts on the rail network are very rarely opportunistic; they are committed by determined thieves whose sole intention is to steal from other passengers.
“While crime on the rail network is down for the 10th successive year, theft of passenger property is an issue, particularly as a lot of the travelling public now carry high-tech devices.”
Officers use a range of tactics to create a really difficult environment for criminals to operate within, including intelligence-led patrols by uniformed officers and plain-clothes theft squad detectives.
Supt Bunyard added: “Always remember to keep your belongings close by and check on them regularly. Keep your valuables hidden and be aware of your surroundings when you board a train or tube. Always zip up any hand or shoulder bags.
“Mobile phones, tablets and laptops are a popular target for thieves so always keep them hidden. Installing a tracker application on your smart phone could help trace your device if the worst happens and it’s stolen.”
