Two south London teens charged in anti-robbery crackdown on London rail network
British Transport Police has increased its presence across the London rail network through a series of anti-robbery operations resulting in the arrest of 60 people.
A 16-year-old from Croydon and a 16-year-old from Bromley[1], both who cannot be named, have been charged with robbery.
The operation, named Operation Invert, is aimed at tackling robbery and knife crime on the railway[2] network with weekly proactive patrols on stations across London.
Of the 64 people arrested between December 31 and February 3, 35 were on suspicion of robbery, while 15 weapons were seized from people carrying them on the rail network.
Operational lead, Superintendent John Loveless, said: “Tackling robbery[3] on the rail network is a force priority and we have zero tolerance for these types of offences.
“We’ve had multiple Operation Invert deployments throughout January, and I’m pleased to see the number of arrests made as a result.
“We’re aware of the number of youth offenders involved in robbery and we’re continuing to explore the use further preventative restrictions, such as Criminal[4] Behaviour Orders and Youth Rehabilitation Orders, to ensure we are doing all we can to deter these offences.
“We are committed to tackling robbery and weapon possession on the network, and we would like to reassure the public that this activity will be continuing going forward.”
If a robbery has just happened, passengers are advised to contact 999 to allow officers to respond immediately.
Passengers are encouraged to save British Transport Police’s number – 61016 – to report anything they witness that may seem ‘suspicious” or “unusual.”