Transport Police target holiday rail thieves

But they are also urging rail users to look out for their own belongings and learn the Christmas crooks’ tactics.

Extra officers will ride the rails and staff stations over the holidays, in a bid to stop theft and anti-social behaviour.

Travelling thieves target Christmas gifts, as well as suitcases and bags, bikes, phones and laptops.

Temporary Chief Insp Stuart Middlemas said: “Traditionally we see a rise in the number of people using trains and stations at this time of year.

“Unfortunately, we also see an increase in thieves targeting passengers on the railway.

“They often look to take advantage of people who may have consumed too much alcohol, or who may be travelling with a lot of luggage to visit family and friends, or unsuspecting shoppers carrying bags containing expensive presents.”

He added: “We will be out and about on the rail network undertaking extra high visibility and under cover patrols.

“We will also use the excellent CCTV system on the rail network to catch people in the act and put them before the courts.”

A British Transport Police website has videos exposing the tricks used by pickpockets, gadget-grabbers and luggage-lifters.

View clips featuring the 13 of the most common crooks’ tricks at www.btp.police.uk/theft.