British Transport Police state violence in Scotland is on increase, though sex offences are down 

FIGURES from the British Transport Police (BTP) show that violence in Scotland increased by 28% last year. 

Despite this, there has been a slight reduction in sex offences throughout public transport in Scotland, but the number is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. 

Scotland, referred to as the D Division, recorded some of the highest detection rates within the BTP. 

Nationally, BTP has recorded that violence has increased by 10% so far in 2024/25, with hate crimes seeing an increase of 20% compared to the year before. 

In the period from April to the end of September last year, serious violence went up by 19% to 86 cases, and violence against rail staff was up by 4%. 

Weapons offences increased by 14% compared to the same period in 2023/24. 

It was noted that the Scottish division scaled up their workforce effectively in response to the heavy events quarter last year, which saw 61,000 persons transiting Haymarket station as part of the Taylor Swift concert. 

In Haymarket, the rate of all crime incidents per 100,000 passengers has increased from 3.47 to 4.6, comparing 2024/25 to the year before. 

The month with the highest number of incidents was April 2024, though violence and sex offences decreased slightly throughout the year, with some months seeing no incidents at all. 

The rate of all crime at Edinburgh Waverley has also decreased since last year, from 1.59 to 1.45, but on-train crime has seen a rise. 

A BTP spokesperson said today: “Any increase in violence is a concern and we are committed to clamping down on these offences, but it’s important to remember that the chance of becoming a victim of crime on the railway in Scotland remains extremely low. 

 “We continue to work alongside our policing partners and the rail industry to prevent all forms of violent, abusive, or intimidating behaviour and have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains.   

“These patrols and regular intelligence-led proactive operations are targeted and supported by statistics to ensure that our officers are exactly where they are most needed. 

 “We encourage all passengers who see or experience crime to report it to us so we can take action.  

“They can discreetly report crimes or concerns via text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always call 999.”