[locojoe]

20/11/2007 15:00
TRANSPORT POLICE MAKE ARRESTS IN WEST CROYDON OPERATION

British Transport Police officers in Croydon made a series of arrests during an operation at West Croydon station on Friday night (November 16) aimed at cracking down on anti-social behaviour and in particular assaults against rail staff.

BTP officers and drugs dogs patrolled the station and tram stop interchange as part of Operation Lockstock, a high-profile policing operation targeted at combating the traditional increase in assaults and disorder in the lead up to the festive season.

Croydon British Transport Police in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Croydon Safer Transport Team, immigration officials, Tramlink Revenue Staff and Southern Rail Revenue staff were involved in the operation at West Croydon station on Friday.

PC Mark Agrippa,. from Croydon BTP said:

"This operation was very successful with seven people arrested or cautioned for offences ranging from possession of a controlled substance to illegal entry into the UK.

"Low level anti-social behaviour was also robustly challenged such as a male who saw fit to throw his £80 penalty notice for disorder, onto the station floor. He was then instantly presented with a further £50 on the spot fine for littering."

In addition to this 79 people were stopped or searched, 64 fare evaders were issued penalty fares and a further six were reported for court summons.

PC Agrippa said police received many positive comments from passengers and staff who felt reassured by the extra presence of police officers after dark.

“This successful partnership operation was aimed at those who evade their fares and seek to intimidate or assault transport staff in an effort to avoid paying fares.

"Those who seek to assault or intimidate transport staff and law abiding passengers will be dealt with robustly by police and will face the full weight of the law."

Alan