Summary
A BBC investigation highlights problems with CCTV on trains in the UK, leading to difficulties in identifying offenders in sexual harassment and assault cases. Many cases remain unresolved due to poor or non-functional CCTV systems, prompting calls for mandatory CCTV on trains.
Key Facts
- Issues with train CCTV in the UK are preventing police from tracking down sex offenders.
- Sexual harassment and assault reports on trains have increased by over a third in the last decade.
- British Transport Police struggle to get usable CCTV evidence in many cases.
- There are no legal requirements for trains to have working CCTV.
- Some train company cameras were non-functional for over 81,000 hours in 2025.
- Victims have expressed their devastation over these failures, affecting their sense of safety.
- The Victims Commissioner for England and Wales is advocating for mandatory CCTV on trains.
