Revealed: Number of sex offences at train stations in Suffolk

Tackling sex offences is a top priority for the British Transport Police (BTP) as new data shows the number reported on trains or at stations in Suffolk.

Figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request found 20 sexual offences were recorded in Suffolk since 2022.

Of these, four were in 2022, with one on a train and three at a station.

A total of nine were recorded in 2023, with four taking place on trains and five at a station, while seven were in 2024, with one on a train, five at a station plus another one on a line.

Sexual offences could include indecent exposure or cyberflashing, which could have long-term psychological effects on victims.

However, many victims do not report their experiences.

Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said: "Tackling sexual offences is our top priority at British Transport Police and we take every report of sexual harassment or violence extremely seriously.

"We know that these crimes commonly go underreported, which is why we relentlessly campaign to encourage witnesses and victims to report these offences to us.

“With this, we expect the number of reports to continue to rise. We view this increase as a positive sign that our efforts are paying off and that women and girls are feeling more confident to report all forms of sexual harassment and violence on the rail network to us.”

According to a survey conducted by the BTP last year, the number of sexual offences rose 10 per cent, from 2,235 to 2,475, between 2021 and 2023.

A different survey of 2,000 people from 2023 commissioned by the BTP found that over a third of women had been a victim of sexual harassment or sexual offending on their commute.

In total, in Suffolk, 191 crimes were reported in 2022, 204 in 2023 and 195 for 2024, including violence, public order offences, criminal damage and theft.

Nationwide, nearly 80,000 crimes were reported by the BTP in 2023/24, Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice said.

"We are working tirelessly to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour,” Det Chief Insp Mellor said.

“We have patrols of uniformed and specially trained plain clothes officers across the railway day and night to catch offenders and reassure passengers as they travel, along with access to more than 150,000 cameras across the railway network, which can provide us with clear, high-quality images.

"Each report we receive provides us with valuable information which we can use to build a picture of an offender.

“Often it allows us to notice a pattern of offending behaviour so we can take action. If you experience or witness sexual harassment or a sexual offence on the railway, we urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040. In an emergency always dial 999."