Rising Concerns Over Violence Against Women and Girls on Public Transport
Recent statistics from the British Transport Police reveal a worrying rise in incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG) across the national transport network during the 2024-25 period. This surge includes a 10 per cent increase in reported sexual offences and significant rises in harassment and violence.
Statistics on VAWG
The British Transport Police disclosed that sexual offences rose from 2,437 incidents in 2023-24 to 2,670, marking a substantial 10 per cent increase. In addition, violence and intimidation against women and girls increased by 5 per cent, from 11,466 to 12,082 incidents. Furthermore, there was a 6 per cent rise in sexual harassment reports, with figures climbing from 1,832 to 1,950.
Escalation of Hate Crimes in London
In a parallel trend, Transport for London (TfL) data from January to August 2024 indicates that hate crimes on London’s public transport network soared by 27.8 per cent. This represents an increase from 1,551 to 1,982 recorded offences compared to the same timeframe in the previous year, further deepening public concern over safety on the transport system.
Upcoming Meeting to Address Issues
In response to the escalating figures, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will convene tomorrow to scrutinise the measures being undertaken by the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police, and TfL to combat VAWG and hate crimes on public transport. The session will provide a platform for questioning the aforementioned agencies on their current policies and protective measures.
Key Participants
The meeting will feature the following key representatives:
- Siwan Hayward, Director of Security Policing and Enforcement, Transport for London
- Mandy McGregor, Head of Policing and Community Safety, Transport for London
- Chief Superintendent Chris Casey, Divisional Commander for London and the South East, British Transport Police
- Superintendent Sam Painter, Detective Superintendent for Public Protection and Vulnerability, British Transport Police
- Commander Charmain Brenyah, Uniformed Operations, Metropolitan Police Service
- Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, Lead Responsible Officer for Public Space, Metropolitan Police Service
- Chief Superintendent Sanjay Andersen, City of London Police
Deputy Mayor’s Involvement
The session will also include a question-and-answer segment with Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime. The discussions will encompass key topics, including the Angiolini Inquiry part 2 and matters regarding the custody practices of the Metropolitan Police.
Event Details
This pivotal meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 10 am, and will be held in the Chamber at City Hall, located on Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE. Members of the media and public are encouraged to attend, and it will also be accessible via a live webcast and YouTube for those unable to be present in person.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/increasing-cases-vawg-and-hate-crime-public-transport
