Station Watch Scheme launched in Northallerton

British Transport Police (BTP) and members of the local community in Northallerton have launched a Neighbourhood Watch-style scheme to ensure the station in the town remains a safe place to travel and work.

They are now inviting residents to join the scheme and tell the police about any problems or issues at the station.

Sergeant Jo Christon of British Transport Police said:

We launched the scheme, which is the first of its kind for the station and the North East. at the beginning of August. The meeting was well attended and was a really interesting evening.

The scheme is all about residents, passengers and rail staff working together with us to address any crime or other issues which arise at the station and surrounding area.

It's important that we listen to passengers and local residents about issues and crime that concerns or affects them so we can take action to prevent it.

Our initial members of the scheme include residents who overlook the station and railway who will act as eyes and ears of the railway and report anything to us, but we are also keen for other members of the community to join as well.

We want to make Northallerton station even more welcoming and crime free, and the Station Watch scheme will go a long way towards that.

The station is already protected by CCTV and is regularly patrolled by British Transport Police officers.

Mike Drewery, Station Manager said:

We have invested a lot of time and effort to ensure Northallerton station is a safe environment for everyone. We are accredited to the Government's Secure Station Scheme and we are delighted that we are able, with our community partners to take part in the Station Watch programme.

This joint partnership will further enhance station safety. It is both a proactive and positive step which First TransPennine Express welcomes.

The next Station Watch meeting will be held on Thursday, 6 September 2012 at the Samaritans Centre, Crosby Road, Northallerton at 18.30 and will last approximately 1 hour. Meetings will then be held on the first Thursday of every month.

Anyone interested in joining the Station Watch scheme at Northallerton Station can contact Sgt Christon on 0113 2472351

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