Texts to 61016 have helped record almost 83,000 rail crimes as 'See it. Say it. Sorted.' turns ten

Rail passengers have helped British Transport Police record almost 83,000 crimes in the ten years since the "See it. Say it. Sorted." campaign began, new figures released this weekend show.

The campaign, heard on station announcements across the country since 2016, encourages passengers to trust their instincts and report anything that does not feel right by texting 61016. For anyone travelling through Birmingham New Street, Moor Street or the city's suburban stations, the message has become as familiar as the departure boards.

From one text to an arrest

According to the Department for Transport and the British Transport Police Authority, more than 1.5 million texts have been exchanged with the force through 61016 over the past decade. Those messages have led to more than 175,000 police deployments across the rail network.

The service is now used more than ever. More than 200,000 texts are sent to British Transport Police each year, and last year's total was almost ten times higher than in 2016. The force says it now receives more than 25,000 messages a month.

The government gave one example of how a single message can lead to justice: in March 2025, a passenger on a train to London Euston discreetly texted 61016 after seeing a man viewing illegal material on his phone. Officers intercepted the train and arrested him, and he was later jailed for more than two years.

"Our eyes and ears"

British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi said: "For 10 years, 'See it. Say it. Sorted.' has encouraged passengers to report anything that doesn't feel right, helping raise awareness of British Transport Police's 61016 text service, which now receives more than 25,000 messages each month.

"The free, discreet service allows passengers to report crime, suspicious behaviour and sexual harassment directly to us, enabling swift action to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice. The public are our eyes and ears on the railway and their vigilance continues to play a vital role in helping keep the network safe."

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said the campaign had "played a vital role" in making railways safer, adding: "Almost 83,000 crimes have been recorded through the 61016 number - proof that reporting leads to real action, showing the difference passengers can make simply by speaking up."

More officers and better CCTV

Although it began as a counter-terrorism campaign, "See it. Say it. Sorted." is now also the main way of promoting 61016 for reporting a much wider range of crimes and safety concerns. It is mandatory at every train operator and station in England, Scotland and Wales, and more than 60% of people say visible security measures make them feel safer when travelling.

British Transport Police is receiving an extra £63 million over three years to fund more than 200 additional officers. They include 36 officers in a new team dedicated to reducing violence and intimidation against women and girls. A further £17 million is going on improving CCTV at stations, and for the first time rail operators are being assessed on their commitments to tackle violence against women and girls.

How to report

Passengers can text 61016 at any time to report a crime, suspicious behaviour or harassment on the railway. The service is free and discreet. In an emergency, always call 999.