British Transport Police (BTP) figures suggest that the number of recorded sexual offences on trains and at train stations has risen 25% to a record level.
In England, Scotland and Wales, BTP recorded 1,399 sexual offences in 2014-15, up by 282 from the previous year. The recorded violent crimes have also increased to 9,149 (up by 8%). However, the overall crime has fallen for the 11th year in a row.
The Project Guardian campaign was launched in 2013, after a survey suggested that 90% of sexual attacks on public transport went unreported. The campaign was launched with the aim of reducing sexual assaults, as well as unwanted sexual behaviour on London's public transport.
BTP have said that the rise in the stats of sex crimes is mainly because of the campaign, which has encouraged people to report such incidents.
There are also officers who patrol in normal clothes on London's transport network to spot offenders and prevent crimes.
In April 2015, the campaign “Report It to Stop It” was launched to tackle sexual assault on the London Underground.
Deputy Chief Constable, Adrian Hanstock said, “It is worth noting that the chances of being a victim of any crime are small. The use of more officers patrolling late-night trains and at peak periods, as well as our extensive CCTV network, is helping to halt this rise.”
He added, “While it is encouraging to compare our current level of performance to last year and note these improvements, the outcome is even more remarkable when you reflect on the progress made over the last 11 years.”
