Drunks on Night Tube 'could be magnets for crime,' risk assessment finds

Report: Crimes including sex offences are likely to rise when the Night Tube is introduced
PA
Laura Proto25 January 2016

Transport for London has been warned the Night Tube could be a "honeypot for criminals" after an internal document predicted heightened crime risks on the network.

Sex attacks are among incidents that could rise with the introduction of all-night services, a "risk register" obtained under Freedom of Information laws warns.

TfL said the document was a means of identifying risks so bosses could pro-actively implement "robust" plans to combat any crime rise.

The report, initially obtained by The Times, says anti-social behaviour could rise and create a “rowdy environment” with “high crime levels”.

The assessment also stated that the risk of thefts, robberies and sexual offences towards people made vulnerable by alcohol could increase.

TfL graded the risk at four out of five, and said existing crime would spill from Night buses on the Tube.

Valerie Shawcross, chairman of the London Assembly transport committee, told the paper: "It's a honeypot for criminals”.

The assessment also revealed that the Tube’s reputation as a safe system could be undermined.

Nick Brown, managing director of London Underground, said "robust plans” were in place for the service, including more police and staff.

He said: “We’ve worked in great detail on the Night Tube programme, including identifying any potential problems that could arise, and have robust plans in place to make sure the service works well for our customers.

"Our operational plans include more police officers than are currently seen late on weekend nights, staff at every station, and action taken to make sure residents are not disturbed by overnight trains.”

It comes as unions and transport bosses are embroiled in a dispute over the Night Tube, which was set to launch in September last year but has been held up by talks over pay and conditions.

All-night services would run overnight on Fridays and Saturdays on the Jubilee and Victoria as well as on most of the Piccadilly, Central and Northern.

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