SWR and BTP clamp down on antisocial behaviour in joint initiative

Thursday 04th February 2021

South Western Railway (SWR) and the British Transport Police (BTP) have said that they will continue to focus on anti-social behaviour between Farncombe and Godalming stations after a joint initiative saw a reduction in disorderly behaviour and assaults on SWR staff.

Responding to an increase in anti-social behaviour in between the first two national lockdowns, SWR and the BTP ran a six-week initiative, Operation Copal, which took place from September and October last year across the Farncombe and Godalming areas.

Op Copal utilised a range of operational tactics such as officers in plain clothes, high visibility patrols and enhanced engagement with staff, with 32 of SWR’s Rail Community Officers (RCO’s) being deployed as part of the initiative.  A number of police powers were also utilised such as dispersal orders.

The Op Copal prevention measures saw a reduction in calls to the BTP, a 20 per cent drop in overall crime and fewer staff assaults. To date, five people have been subject to Criminal Behaviour Orders and an additional three are being considered for prosecution.

Building on this, SWR and the BTP will continue to carry out joint patrols in the area and are working on a broader approach consisting of crime prevention techniques, reassurance and enforcement. 

Jon McLeod, SWR’s Crime & Community Manager commented:
“Our priority is not just to run a railway which is efficient, but safe too. The positive results from Op Copal demonstrate how close partnership working with BTP combined with the effective use of operational tactics and police powers can help to combat anti-social behaviour and keep people safe.

"Going forward, we will continue to explore ways to disrupt anti-social behaviour and keep crime low in this area.”

CI John Loveless, British Transport Police commented
:
"Operation Copal has been well received by both staff and passengers. BTP are committed to working with our partners in SWR, neighbouring police forces and local authorities to reduce crime and disruption on the railway. Joint working is vital in ensuring we continue to make progress in tackling issues of concern to both the travelling public and rail staff. 
I would like to thank SWR for their support and the great work undertaken by Inspector Sharon Turner and her Guildford Sector team in making such a positive impact."

Notes to editors
SWR’s Rail Community Officers (RCO’s) work with the British Transport Police to provide a high profile, uniformed presence on our stations and trains. All of SWR’s RCO’s are accredited under the Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme.

They’re able to enforce railway legislation using powers given to them by the BTP. RCO’s actively work to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and create a safe travelling environment for all of our customers and staff. More information is available here: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/staying-safe