Criminal Damage On Tube Increases By 38% In 3 Years

3.25.41pm GMT Mon 10th Nov 2003

New figures revealed today by London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes MP shows that the number of criminal damage offences recorded on the Tube and its infrastructure has risen by 38% in the last three years with damage to tube lines by a staggering 380% in the same period.

The figures revealed in an answer to Parliamentary questions show that since 2000/2001:

Offences on tube lines have risen by 380%

Offences on tube trains have risen by 45%

Offences at tube stations have risen by 6%

The number of total offences was up from 658 in 2000/2001 to 912 in 2002/03. Mr Hughes is calling for the Mayor to undertake an urgent review of security on Tube lines to reduce the amount of damage done to the ailing infrastructure.

Mr Hughes said:-

"Criminal damage could cause a derailment and could lead to massive disruption or worse.

"There are serious questions that need to be asked of the security measures especially around tube lines. With control of the Tube now in the Mayor's hands, he must urgently review measures to protect train and track and stop vandals risking the safety of both passengers and drivers.

"With Tube track maintenance crews already struggling to keep up with the crumbling infrastructure and repairs to the Northern Line, it is vital that there is a rapid crack down on trespassers and vandals on Tube property."