Operation Rhino targets young offenders on the Tube

British Transport Police (BTP) will be conducting extra patrols during the school summer holidays, focusing on the Metropolitan, Jubilee, Piccadilly and Central lines in the Wembley and Heathrow areas.

Known as Operation Rhino, the BTP will target offences that include trespassing on Tube tracks and property, stone throwing at trains and anti-social behaviour such as leaving debris on the railway and underage drinking.

Foot patrols, undercover patrols and bicycle response will ensure every part of the above-ground sections of the Tube is accessible to officers. Off-road motorcycles and mountain bikes allow officers to quickly cross parkland if a report of an offence in a hard-to-reach area is received.

Crime prevention leaflets will also be distributed to those living and working near the railway line, encouraging people to contact police if they see anyone loitering around the railway or behaving anti-socially.

Wembley BTP Inspector Darren Malpas warned of the dangers posed by railway stations when young people use them for recreation during summer holidays.

“These types of offences traditionally increase during holiday periods when people seem to think messing around near the railway is a good form of entertainment,” he said.

“Those who gain access to prohibited parts of the railway are putting their lives at risk.

“Trains can’t swerve and they can’t stop suddenly – the railway is no playground.”