A crackdown on anti-social behaviour on trains in the north has been launched.
British Transport Police said passengers and staff will see an increase in high-profile and high-visibility patrols at stations and on-trains – particularly on late night services during the festive season
The move is aimed at reducing the possibility of them having to “endure alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour and also to ensure no journey is delayed or disrupted unnecessarily.”
Officers on patrol will be wearing body worn video recording equipment throughout and those who normally undertake office-based roles will be deployed in uniform to assist their response and neighbourhood police team colleagues.
CID officers will also be involved in pro-active plain-clothes duties during the initiative.
Superintendent David Marshall, of British Transport Police, said: “By increasing our visibility and activity at this time of year we will be reassuring the public that they can travel in a safe and secure environment.
“Ahead of our usual festive period initiatives across the country, Operation Story is an important initiative that allows us to show the vital role BTP has to play in keeping rail disruption to a minimum.”