`Call us if you catch people watching pornography on trains`, BTP tells passengers

Police are turning to legal guidance to help address a reported spike in watching pornography on public transport. British Transport Police (BTP) is advising passengers who witness the behaviour through modern electronic devices on buses or the Tube to contact the force. Various legislation on Statute – railway byelaws or Section 5 of the Public Order Act – can “potentially” be used to prosecute such behaviour in circumstances including causing harassment, alarm or distress, says the force. BTP`s response follows a spate of such reports, with BBC Radio 4 raising the issue in Woman’s Hour after one of its reporters noticed a man watching pornography on the bus during her commute. Transport for London has previously urged passengers to report such incidents to a member of staff. A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “We are aware there has been some discussion in the media recently about people watching pornography on public transport and whether transport groups or the police can do anything about this. “If you feel uncomfortable or distressed by someone who is looking at pornography on the railway, we want you to report it to us. “You can use our discreet texting service to report what is happening without those nearby overhearing, if this makes you feel more comfortable.” A BTP statement advised: “Our officers have a range of investigative techniques to identify offenders who commit crimes on the railway network, so just because someone has left the train, this by no means makes them untraceable. “Remember, you do not have to prove that someone is committing a crime in order to report it.”