Train stations and trains can be hotbeds for crime due to their transient nature, crowded platforms and bustling terminals.
On board trains, passengers may let their guard down, making them vulnerable to theft or harassment.
The News Shopper investigated the number of crimes and anti-social behaviour offences which have occurred at Bromley train stations and on board trains in the period from April 2023 to March 2024, according to the British Transport Police.*
The details below are per 100,000** passengers and cover crimes at train stations AND on-board trains in Bromley.
*Crime statistics must be interpreted with caution, as they can be influenced by various factors such as station traffic and reporting patterns.
**On-train crime may be recorded at the end station or terminus stations, meaning figures could be higher at these stations.
From April 2023 to March 2024, 18 out of 25 of Bromley’s train stations experienced a rise in crime.
Notably, Birkbeck station has seen a quadruple increase in both the number of crimes and antisocial behaviour offences.
A crime map provided by British Transport Police shows that the majority of station crimes at Birkbeck happened in May 2023 (four reported cases).
Six Bromley stations saw a decrease in crime, while just one station – Orpington – remained the same.
On board trains, 15 out of 25 locations also saw an increase in crime, while five saw a decrease, and five remained the same as the previous year.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police told the News Shopper that the public’s safety is their “number one priority”, and although every offence is “one too many”, the chances of becoming a victim of crime on the railway network is “extremely low”.
The spokesperson explained: “The public’s safety is our number one priority, and we work tirelessly to protect everyone’s journeys across the rail network.
“It is important to not sensationalise these statistics and view them within their context, as the chances of becoming a victim of crime on the railway network is extremely low; our data shows 28.7 crimes per million passenger journeys between April and December 2023.”
“We are aware that every offence is one too many and we work relentlessly alongside our policing partners and the rail industry to prevent this type of behaviour.
“We have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains, to detect and deter crime.”
Anerley, Bromley South, Eden Park, Elmers End, Elmstead Woods, Hayes, Knockholt, New Beckenham, Penge East, St Mary Cray, and Sundridge have all seen the average number of crimes increase at stations and on board trains since the year before.
Bromley North is the only station to see a simultaneous decrease in crimes reported on trains and at stations from April 2023 to March 2024.
A British Transport Spokesperson said that officers are “exactly where they are most needed” as their patrols are targeted and supported by statistics.
Just last month, a man, in his 20s, was taken to hospital after he was stabbed on board a train in Bromley, between Beckenham Junction and Shortlands.
Rakeem Thomas, 19, from Beckenham, has since been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Wearing a grey jumper, he made his appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, March 30, where he spoke only his name, address, and date of birth.
The case has been forwarded to the Old Bailey, where Thomas is scheduled to attend a hearing on April 26.
A spokesperson for BTP added: “When crimes do happen, we’re fortunate to work in a CCTV rich environment to help to bring offenders to justice.
“Our patrols are targeted and supported by statistics to ensure that our officers are exactly where they are most needed. When crimes do happen, we’re fortunate to work in a CCTV rich environment to help to bring offenders to justice.
“We encourage all passengers who see or experience crime to report it to us so we can take action.
“They can discreetly report crimes or concerns via text 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app and we urge people to ensure they save the number or download the app in case they ever need it.
“In an emergency, always call 999.”
