By David Hodgson

How do we get our message across to 100,000 people a day? Answer: Park the ‘HEAR for you 24/7’ BT mini in the middle of the busy concourse at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station on the run up to Christmas.

Shoppers are being warned to keep an eye on their newly purchased Christmas presents and parcels – when using the trains and railway stations – as the festive season gets into full swing.

British Transport Police has joined forces with Crimestoppers Scotland, Network Rail and Lothian and Borders Police to raise awareness amongst rail passengers and commuters who have been shopping in Edinburgh city centre that opportunist thieves are on the lookout for easy targets at what is the busiest shopping time of the year.

The Crimestoppers Scotland car, parked on the station concourse, provides an eye-catching ‘platform’ to remind Waverley station users and officers from both forces will be on hand to provide crime prevention information and distribute essential tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Chief Inspector John Harrington from British Transport Police said: “At this time of year people can be easily distracted and preoccupied with all that goes into Christmas. It only takes a split second for the opportunist to take advantage of the hustle and bustle of Christmas with handbags, wallets and credit cards being the primary targets.

“This initiative is part of the British Transport Police Neighbourhood Policing Project at Waverley where we will be working closely with our colleagues in the rail industry, Lothian and Borders Police, Edinburgh City Council to ensure that anyone who has been shopping and uses the train gets home safely with all their property intact.

“Waverley has just been reaccredited as a Secure Station and although the chance of becoming a victim of crime on the rail network is extremely low, travellers are being urged to remain vigilant.”

David Simpson, Network Rail’s route director for Scotland, said; “Crime on the rail network in Scotland is lower than ever and we work hard with our industry partners and British Transport Police to keep it that way. With the festive season coming we urge all passengers who use Waverley station to heed BTP’s advice and to enjoy a safe and happy travel experience this Christmas.”

To avoid having their property stolen shoppers should:

• Keep their property in view at all times
• Check their property regularly
• Remember to take property with them when leaving the train

During the year Operation Safe Journey sees British Transport Police undertake dedicated on train patrols throughout the Scotland and on cross border services to reassure the travelling public.

Robert Samson, Passenger Link Manager at Passenger Focus said: “Rail travel offers a convenient way for Christmas shoppers to reach Edinburgh City Centre. We urge all passengers to remain vigilant at this time but are reassured that BTP and all other rail partners are playing their part to reduce crime which is at a low level and to ensure that passengers during this busy period have the necessary advice to make their travel experience an enjoyable one”.

If you see something, say something. All calls to our hotline 0800 55 111 are anonymous. Be on the right lines this Christmas.