Transport police in new drive to defeat crime on the railways

Police are attempting to stamp out crime on the railways in a week-long operation.

British Transport Police have been out in force at key locations to target anti-social behaviour, drug carrying and knife crime.

More than 70 officers are engaged in the drive, which is called Operation Chicago 2.

They have been stationed at key interchanges including Clapham Junction, Wimbledon, Sutton, East Croydon, Lewisham and Elephant and Castle.

The first phase of the operation, carried out earlier this summer, resulted in 120 arrests and six weapons being seized.

Drug detecting dogs have been deployed as well as mobile metal detecting arches - known as Operation Shield.

A BTP spokeswoman said: "The decision to target the holiday period is because, historically, offences including provocation of violence, drunk and disorderly behaviour, unacceptable behaviour and other low-level disorder are high at this time."