Sex crimes on railway network hit record high as Labour accused of ‘losing the plot on public transport’

Sex Crimes on Railway Network Reach New Peak as Labour Faces Criticism for Public Transport Funding

The British Transport Police (BTP) reported a significant surge in sexual offences committed on the rail system during the 2024-25 period, sparking backlash against the current government. Data shows 2,658 such incidents were documented, translating to over 50 cases per week. This marks a 10% rise compared to previous years.

Of these, only 449 were resolved, with suspects either charged or issued with lesser penalties like cautions. Nearly half of the cases—1,333 in total—remained unsolved, as investigators failed to pinpoint any perpetrator. In almost 700 instances where a primary suspect was identified, insufficient evidence prevented the filing of formal charges.

Labour has been criticized for underfunding the BTP, leading to a reduction of 112 officers by September 2025. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden remarked,

‘Labour has completely lost the plot on public transport. They are stripping officers from the rail network just as violence, harassment, and fare evasion are surging.’

Labour’s handling of public transport funding has drawn scrutiny from union leaders. Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT union, stated,

‘These deeply concerning numbers highlight the urgent need for a well-resourced BTP, an end to solo operations, and more personnel on trains and stations.’

He emphasized that the trade union movement and society at large must tackle the growing issue of sexual violence against women and girls.

Kevin Moore, a former CID head at Sussex Police, warned that staff reductions—whether in railways or other sectors—undermine police effectiveness. He added,

‘Cuts to officer numbers will inevitably harm the quality of investigations and responses to crime.’

CCTV coverage on most trains and stations aims to bolster security and assist in crime investigations. Notably, London’s Euston and King’s Cross stations accounted for the highest counts, with 29 and 28 cases respectively. Other high-risk locations included Waterloo, Green Park Underground, and London Bridge, which saw 23, 21, and 20 incidents.

Outside London, Birmingham New Street (27), Glasgow Central (20), Manchester Piccadilly (19), Liverpool Lime Street (14), and Reading (13) reported the most sexual offences. A BTP representative noted to The Mail on Sunday that the increase in reports stems partly from greater public willingness to disclose such crimes.