London Bridge-based British Transport Police have launched a campaign to tackle unwanted sexual behaviour on the London Underground.

The newest campaign by British Transport Police focuses on the story of Katie and Kaylin who are both from London. Both women were victims of the same sexual offender who the police were able to arrest after both women reported what had happened.

The assaults happened in the space of a week.

Sexual assault against both women and men is becoming increasingly common on the tube. From April to August 2018, 1002 sexual offences were recorded on trains running in London. This is a rise of approximately 29 per cent on the months December to March which saw 777 sexual offences recorded.

British Transport police believe that the increase in those reporting sexual assault is due to increased nationwide campaigning against sexual assault that is giving victims to courage to come forward.

Head of Crime and Public Protection at British Transport Police, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell, said: “We expected to see a rise in the number of offences when the campaign was rolled out and we are encouraged that victims are turning to us, safe in the knowledge they will be taken seriously. However, more still needs to be done and we believe many offences go unreported.”

Campaigns made by British transport police such as every Report Builds a Picture campaign demonstrate how effective reporting incidents of sexual assault really is. Multiple reports help the British transport police to “build a picture” which makes it easier to arrest the perpetrator.

Kaylin said: “It takes strength to speak out and report it but it’s worth it. It’s so important that these people are brought to justice. British Transport Police were wonderful – they didn’t underestimate the severity of what had happened – they understood.”

Another victim of sexual assault on the tube is Justine Weir,47, who said: “This has happened to me a couple of times.”

“I would have faced outwards, towards a window or a door and generally not paid too much attention as to what’s going on behind me. In the first instance I just thought it was very busy and the chap behind me had accidentally bumped into me and was struggling to find room to back off.”

“It was only when I checked the reflection in the glass that I realised that the chap had plenty of space and was getting a cheap thrill. I deliberately stepped backwards … turned around and told him to get off me.”

“I didn’t report it. It felt impossible to prove.”

A similar incident happened to Molly Tompset, 18, who said “It was just plain awful. I didn’t report my incident as I still don’t have the confidence but campaigns like these can be extremely encouraging and will help people speak out.”

British Transport Police are encouraging any member of the public to report even the slightest incident of unwanted sexual behaviour.

Reports of any unwanted sexual behaviour should be made as soon as possible by texting 61016, or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency always call 999.