Body-worn video cameras to help South Western Railway tackle daily assaults

South Western Railway has warned of an unacceptable rise in assaults and abuse against its colleagues, as the train operator expands the use of body-worn video cameras to help tackle the issue.

So far this year, South Western Railway has recorded more than two assaults every day against colleagues across its network. These include violent attacks and verbal threats.  

The number of reported incidents of violent and public order offences has doubled between 2020-21 and 2024-25, according to British Transport Police. 

While improved reporting might explain some of the rise, the worrying upward trend is in line with similar increases seen in other public services and industries, such as the NHS and retail.  

These incidents can have a significant impact on colleagues’ physical and mental well-being, even affecting railway operations as colleagues take time off to recover.   

They can also result in serious consequences for the perpetrator, as South Western Railway supports British Transport Police with investigations and criminal prosecutions.  

Following an initial trial in 2021, SWR has introduced body-worn video cameras for colleagues in customer-facing roles, such as train guards and gateline assistants.   

The cameras, which are activated by the wearer and capture 30 seconds of footage before activation, can deter assaults and other anti-social behaviour as well as collect video and audio evidence for use in legal proceedings. 

To warn potential perpetrators of the impact that abusing colleagues can have, both for them and the colleague, South Western Railway has launched a striking new poster campaign. 

Three posters depict intimidating incidents of abuse from the perspective of a colleague, captured on a body-worn video camera.  

While it is hoped the posters will instil empathy for colleagues who face abuse, they also show the perpetrators facing police custody, trial and ultimately prison.  

The campaign aims to prevent incidents by alerting potential perpetrators to the use of body-worn video cameras and reminding them of the consequences of abuse.  

A study published by the University of Cambridge, commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group and British Transport Police, suggested that body-worn video cameras can reduce the likelihood of assault against the wearer by 47%. 

Jane Lupson, Safety and Security Director for South Western Railway, commented, "The rise in abuse directed against our colleagues, including daily assaults, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  

"Keeping people safe on our railway is always our number one priority, not least our colleagues who serve our customers with care every day.  

"The introduction of body-worn video cameras will help deter anyone thinking of abusing a colleague and help prosecute those who do. 

"We hope this striking new campaign will remind potential perpetrators of the consequences of abuse, for colleagues and for them."