Celebrating a Decade of Public Safety Initiatives
The ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign has reached a significant milestone, marking ten years of operation and having facilitated over 1.5 million text messages to the British Transport Police (BTP). These messages have resulted in the documentation of nearly 83,000 criminal incidents, highlighting the campaign’s profound impact on rail safety. The initiative underscores how a simple text can trigger police action, leading to arrests, investigations, and ultimately, convictions.
Launched in 2016, the campaign has become one of the most prominent public safety initiatives in the United Kingdom. It encourages passengers to trust their instincts and report any suspicious behaviour or incidents they encounter while using the rail network. Over the past decade, the number of texts sent annually to the BTP via the dedicated number 61016 has surged to over 200,000, with last year’s figures reflecting an almost tenfold increase since the campaign’s inception. This impressive statistic has resulted in more than 175,000 police deployments across the railway system.
Government Commitment to Rail Safety
Lord Hendy, the Rail Minister, expressed the government’s dedication to enhancing railway safety. He acknowledged that the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign has been instrumental in transforming the reporting of crimes and concerns on the network. The campaign has successfully recorded around 83,000 crimes through the 61016 text service, demonstrating that passenger reports can lead to meaningful action.
Research indicates that over 60% of individuals feel safer due to visible security measures in place while travelling. The campaign is now a standard protocol across all train operators and stations in England, Scotland, and Wales, making it one of the most recognisable and widely implemented public safety initiatives in the country.
While its primary focus is counter-terrorism, the campaign has expanded its scope to encompass a variety of other safety issues. For instance, in March 2025, a passenger on a train to London Euston reported a man viewing disturbing child abuse material on his phone via text. The prompt reporting allowed officers to intercept the train, resulting in the offender’s arrest and subsequent sentencing to over two years in prison. This incident exemplifies how a single text can effectively bring justice.
Enhancements to the British Transport Police
Lucy D’Orsi, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, highlighted the importance of the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign in encouraging passengers to report anything that raises their concerns. The 61016 text service now receives upwards of 25,000 messages monthly, providing a free and discreet channel for reporting crime, suspicious activities, and instances of harassment.
The British government is further investing in rail safety, allocating an additional £63 million over three years to fund the recruitment of 200 new officers, including a specialist team aimed at reducing violence and intimidation against women and girls. This is complemented by a £17 million investment to enhance CCTV capabilities at railway stations. For the first time, rail operators will also be evaluated on their efforts to combat violence against women and girls, reflecting a comprehensive approach to ensuring passenger safety.
Public Vigilance and Safety on the Railways
The ongoing success of the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign relies heavily on public engagement and vigilance. Passengers are considered the eyes and ears of the railway system, and their proactive involvement is crucial in maintaining safety across the network. The campaign has not only empowered individuals to voice their concerns but has also established a robust partnership between the British Transport Police and the public.
The emphasis on safety and security in the railway environment continues to evolve, driven by both government initiatives and community involvement. As the campaign enters its next decade, the commitment to enhancing passenger safety remains steadfast, ensuring that everyone can travel with confidence across the railway network.