TfL Ref: FOI-0767-1718

Thank you for your email received on 28 June 2017 requesting information about offences reported on the Night Tube.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our Information Access Policy. I can confirm we do hold some of the information you requested.

Crime on our transport network will not be tolerated, our passengers have the right to feel safe while travelling on our services.

In advance of the launch of Night Tube services we worked in great detail on the safety and policing aspects of the Night Tube programme, including identifying any problems that could arise, and putting robust plans in place to make sure the service works well for customers and local communities. This included working with our policing partners at the British Transport Police (BTP), the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police, and with Metros around the world to learn from their experiences of running all night services.

Since launching Night Tube, our crime teams have been carrying out regular reviews, including TfL Enforcement and On-Street Operations, the BTP and the Metropolitan Police. We continue to closely monitor offences on the Night Tube and have plans in place to reduce crime, influenced by a visible presence of police at stations and on trains.

There are 100 BTP officers patrolling Night Tube services each weekend providing a reassuring police presence while also addressing any instances of crime and antisocial behaviour. This policing presence is backed up by CCTV cameras across the network, supported by the London Underground Control Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working closely with the police to respond to any incidents that may occur.

All our staff work hard to serve the millions of customers that pass through the Tube network every day. Each one of them has the right to go about their work without fear or intimidation and we do not tolerate any form of verbal or physical assault on our staff. Our campaign against workplace violence sends a clear message that any assault on staff will be fully investigated to bring perpetrators to justice.

Unwanted sexual behaviour on the transport network will not be tolerated and we are determined to eradicate it. In partnership with the BTP, Met Police and City of London Police we recently re-launched our ‘Report It to Stop It’ campaign to encourage people to report all instances of unwanted sexual behaviour. Further information on the campaign can be found here: tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/news-articles/report-it-to-stop-it-now

You asked:

Since the start of the night tube service in August 2016, how many of the following offences committed by night tube passengers have been recorded on all lines that the night tube services operates on:

1) Drinking alcohol on the night tube

Passengers caught drinking or smoking are informed of the ban and requested to stop smoking by members of staff (who are authorised persons under the Byelaws).  In the vast majority of cases this results in their compliance and details are not recorded.  However, on the rare occasion a passenger refuses to comply they are asked to leave the station or bus/train etc (using removal powers of authorised persons under the Byelaws).  Police are called to deal with those who refuse to cooperate, abuse or threaten violence.  Police are also authorised persons under the Byelaws and may also remove persons in addition to exercising their other powers.

2) Smoking cigarettes, marijuana or e-cigarettes on the night tube

Please see answer to question 1.

3) Vomit on a night tube train, platform or station

Vomiting is not a notifiable offence and not recorded by TfL or BTP.

4) Vandalism, such as graffiti on a night tube train

This is a criminal offence, the data for which you would need to contact BTP via email: [email protected]

5) Verbal or physical abuse of TFL staff 

We are determined to ensure the transport network is safe for passengers and staff alike.  TfL have a Workplace Violence Unit (WVU) dedicated to supporting staff who have been victims of assault. For official crime data you should contact the BTP.

6) Verbal, physical or sexual abuse of night tube passengers

These are criminal offences, the data for which you would need to contact BTP via email: [email protected]

If this is not the information you are looking for, please feel free to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London