British Transport Police (BTP) officers were out in Liverpool in force earlier this month to take steps to deny criminals the use of the rail network.
Officers have been deployed to many of the areas’ stations to take action against anyone caught carrying out criminal or antisocial behaviour and to provide reassurance for members of the public.
A day of heightened activity came about as part of a multi-force operation involving colleagues from Merseyside Police, Lancashire Constabulary, North Wales Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Mersey Tunnels Police, the Port of Liverpool Police and the North West Regional Motorway Policing Group.
Officers from BTP were manning metal detection arches at Liverpool Lime Street while others were carrying out patrols of the stations to deter criminals and those seeking to carry out nuisance behaviour.
The mobile arches, similar to those used in airports, can be deployed anywhere and passengers are encouraged to walk through them, with a team of officers on hand to arrest anyone found to be carrying knives or other weapons.
Speaking at the launch of the operation, at Liverpool South Parkway, BTP Inspector Gary Jones said: “BTP is committed to tackling those who would use the rail network to carry out, or facilitate, criminal behaviour.
“This day of heightened activity mirrors the daily duties carried out by police officers and PCSOs who regularly patrol stations and the surrounding areas to take steps to prevent and deter criminality.
“The metal detecting arches have become a valuable tool for BTP and are being used at selected sites as a specific tactic to detect people trying to take concealed weapons onto trains.
“We have also deployed specialist drugs dogs and handlers to target people carrying illegal substances on the rail network.”
He added: “As a result of the activity some passengers may experience a slight delay in their progress through the stations, but I hope they understand that the systems and checks put in place are there to take steps to ensure their safety.
“We want people to be safe and feel safe whilst using the railways and are determined to put measures in place to achieve this.
“Meanwhile our message to criminals and trouble makers is clear – ‘BTP will use all technology and powers at its disposal to make life difficult for you and will not hesitate to take robust action against anyone caught breaking the law’.”
