by over 70% in the last decade, according to figures obtained by BBC Scotland news. There were 98 assaults reported last year, compared to 58 ten years ago – more than a quarter of those cases were closed without a suspect being identified. 24 victims were under 18 years of age. The Scottish Government said they’ve discussed these crimes with the Chief Constable but noted this area is reserved to the UK Government.
Professor John Robertson OBA
BBC Reporting Scotland‘s insert in BBC Breakfast today has the above story which is not being covered anywhere else.
They haven’t reminded us that British Transport Police are directly responsible for safety on trains. Might this be why?
In the Independent 16 August 2025:
The biggest rail workers’ union is warning of cuts to the British Transport Police (BTP), saying they would “seriously endanger” the safety of railway staff.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said the BTP was facing an £8.5 million funding shortfall this year which it warned could result in the closure of 13 police stations and the loss of hundreds of posts.
The union said cuts would leave frontline rail staff exposed to rising levels of violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “These cuts will severely impact the safety of rail workers and the travelling public.
“Station staff and train crews are being left to deal with violent and abusive passengers without adequate BTP support, often late at night, in isolated locations, and with no back-up.
Given the above, why did BBC Scotland contact the Chief Constable and the Scottish Government, when the Head of British Transport Police and the Home Secretary are responsible?
Are sex offences increasing in Scotland, off the trains, where Police Scotland and the Scottish Government are responsible?
Well, yes, sadly they are but by 45%, significantly lower than the 70% on trains.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/recorded-crime-scotland-2024-25/
Is police staffing being cut in Scotland, off the trains?
No:
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Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
My question is ” Why didn’t the SG and or SNP immediately go on the attack?” We let them (the media/Labour/Westminster away with to much and as a result Scots think the SG is failing.
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Exactly
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Yet another example of unionist media exploiting the mass ignorance (for which they are to blame largely) of differing governmental responsibilities. BBC in particular are guilty of bias in this field as in others eg Middle East, Ukraine, etc.
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