Figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice show that British Transport Police reports see a rise in sex crimes across Nottinghamshire train stations

An annual report showed a rise in sex crimes at train stations across Nottinghamshire over the last years.

Figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice found that, since 2022, there have been over 30 reported sex crimes at train stations across the county.

In 2022, the British Transport Police logged 13 sex crimes at Nottinghamshire stations, the joint-highest number of crimes over the past three years.

A year later, this number decreased to 12 crimes, however over the past year, train stations in the area have seen a rise in sex crimes, with a total of 13.

The British Transport Police’s 2024 annual report shows that there has been a 10% rise in recorded sexual offences against women on railways from the previous year, up from 2,246 to 2,475.

A survey of 2,000 people commissioned by the British Transport Police last year also found that over a third of women had been victims of sexual harassment or sexual offending on their commute.

When approached for a comment, British Transport Police, said: "Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority at British Transport Police, and there is zero tolerance for it on the railway network.

“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.

"We are working tirelessly to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour.

“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 over 150,000 cameras across the railway network, which can provide us with clear, high-quality images.”

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained figures on other types of crime that the British Transport Police recorded over the last three years.

Nottinghamshire train stations have seen an increase in recorded crime since 2022, with notable jumps in violence and theft of passenger property.

Some incidents of sexual offences at train stations may include indecent exposure or cyberflashing, which can have a lasting psychological impact on victims.

When it comes to crime on the railway, it's been identified that sexual harassment is under-reported, which makes it hard for law enforcement to intervene.

The British Transport Police spokesperson added: "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.”

The authority is urging those who experience or witness sexual harassment or a sexual offence on the railway to report it by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040, or in case of an emergency, to dial 999.

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice provides expert claim and legal advice services for sexual abuse claims.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and an online claim form, which can be accessed on their website.