British Transport Police officers who will be running a special operation this week (20 – 26 February) to target problematic behaviour on trains and at stations.

Inspector Derek McCutcheon said: “Anti-social behaviour (ASB) may not be the most serious offence we investigate, but it certainly has the capacity to impact on a large number of people.

“At best ASB can be an annoyance but, at its worst, can create an intimidating environment and is often the pre-cursor to violence and other crimes.

“The week of action, utilising the Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the area, is designed to tackle ASB at the early stages, before problematic behaviour is able to escalate.”

Officers will be conducting special patrols on trains and at stations across the area throughout the week to deter those who might otherwise cause problems for passengers and staff alike.

Insp McCutcheon added: “We will be paying particular attention services on the Whitehaven line as well as late night trains between Carlisle and Newcastle, which have been highlighted to BTP by rail staff and passengers.

“The railway in Cumbria is safer than it has ever been, but we recognise that just one incident of ASB can have a negative impact on a large number of people.

“We want everyone to feel safe on the railway and this week of action is designed to do just that by highlighting the work of BTP and by providing a high profile presence across the area.

“Whilst carrying out these patrols we will also be looking to target other criminal behaviour which has an impact on rail users and the rail network in general.”