Women and girls’ safety is a huge concern of mine, and it was an issue many of you raised with me on the doorstep during the election campaign.
I was very concerned to read in this year’s annual British Transport Police (BTP) report that nationally there had been a 20% increase in recorded violent offences against women and girls and 10% more sexual offences. I therefore held a meeting with BTP, the local police and the Community Team safety lead from Sevenoaks District Council to obtain a local update.
I was relieved to hear that in comparison with this stage last year overall crime reports are down locally. And, more pertinently, violence against women and girls so far is around two thirds less than the previous year. These are encouraging statistics.
However, we must strive for further improvements and there are certain steps we can all take to help:
Add the British Transport Police number to your phone 0800 40 50 40
Add to your phone the text number 61016 and use to report a rail network crime or concern
Download the Railway Guardian app which allows you to both report crime and concerns plus enables you to share your journey with trusted contacts and obtain access to news, guides and support https://www.btp.police.uk/.../Download-Railway-Guardian/
Remember if a crime is taking place or you have urgent concern, you should dial 999
It is vital that every crime or concern is reported to the police or conductor. They will take your concern seriously, and there is a strong possibility, with the aid of CCTV, that even if the suspect leaves the train, they will be identified later.
