Rail operators and the British Transport Police (BTP) have launched intensified patrols and a package of measures after recorded incidents of trespass and anti‑social behaviour on parts of the network rose sharply in the months between late 2025 and the summer of 2025.
Numbers and trends
The latest figures for Sussex and south London show 398 incidents over July and August 2025, including 203 trespass incidents and 33 anti‑social behaviour incidents. By comparison, there were 287 incidents recorded in November and December 2025, which included 135 trespass incidents and 24 anti‑social behaviour incidents. The operators say the total number of incidents rose by 39% between those two periods, and that anti‑social behaviour incidents increased by 29% in July and August 2025.
| Period | Total incidents | Trespass incidents | Anti‑social behaviour incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| November–December 2025 | 287 | 135 | 24 |
| July–August 2025 | 398 | 203 | 33 |
Operation and immediate response
As part of what the industry has described as a week of action in August, train companies and the BTP have increased visible patrols at named hotspots across the network. Measures include targeted patrols, awareness campaigns advising the public how to report trespass and welfare concerns, and conversations with passengers about steps they can take if they see trespassers or vulnerable people close to the railway.
On the opening day of the week of action, BTP officers arrested a man in connection with a cable theft that occurred in June. Police said station CCTV and assistance from Network Rail staff were used to identify the suspect, who was detained after being seen walking through a station.
“I’m lucky to be alive. I still have the scars....and it so easily could have been much worse.”
The comment was provided by a trespass victim cited in the material released by operators. No further personal details were published.
Investment and prevention
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has allocated £2.5 million towards a scheme to increase the number of Travel Safe Officers under its Anti‑Social Behaviour Improvement Plan. The train operator says the officers will act as a deterrent, offer support to railway staff and reassure passengers, complementing the work of frontline teams and the BTP.
- Increased patrols targeted at hotspots known for trespass and anti‑social behaviour.
- Efforts to boost public awareness of reporting channels for trespass or welfare incidents.
- Deployment of Travel Safe Officers financed by a multi‑million pound investment.
Operators emphasise that trespass and cable thefts not only threaten the safety of individuals but also cause disruption to services. Cable thefts can lead to power loss and delays, while trespass incidents can result in cancelled services and significant operational disruption.
Context and implications
The rise in incidents echoes a broader concern across the rail network about safety and security during periods of increased passenger numbers. Visible policing and staff presence are widely used tactics to deter offending and offer rapid intervention when problems occur, but their effectiveness typically depends on sustained deployment and co‑ordination between operators and police.
Industry statements stress the need for public co‑operation in reporting issues promptly and for continued investment in prevention and enforcement. The arrest linked to the June cable theft underlines the role of CCTV and staff reporting in identifying suspects, but operators say more is required to reverse the recent increases in trespass and anti‑social behaviour.
Passengers who witness trespass or welfare concerns are being urged to report incidents through station staff, the BTP’s 24‑hour number, or the operators’ established reporting channels so police and staff can respond quickly.
Further operational detail on the week of action and longer‑term plans has been provided by the companies involved, who say they will continue to monitor incident levels and adjust resources accordingly.
