Sexual offences in UK trains hit record level

The number of sexual offences in trains and station premises in the UK rose by a record 25 <g data-gr-id="15">per cent</g> over the last year due to a campaign encouraging victims to report these offences.

At least 1,399 sexual offences were recorded in 2014-15 in England, Scotland and Wales, up 282 on the previous year, according to latest figures released by the British Transport Police (BTP).

BTP said the rise in sex crime figures was mainly due to a campaign to encourage reporting of these offences.

The force launched Project Guardian in 2013 aimed at reducing sexual assault and unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport in <g data-gr-id="14">London,</g> after a survey suggested that 90 <g data-gr-id="12">per cent</g> of such attacks went unreported.