The number of crimes at railway stations in outer London has soared by 2,000 in the last year, a new report says.

The London Assembly's transport committee found there were 12,360 offences outside zone 1, up by almost 20 per cent from 2002-03.

East Croydon (328 crimes), Clapham Junction (273) and Walthamstow Central (189) were the most dangerous overground stations.

About four in five victims were aged under 40.

Hotspots are either "particulary busy", or are Tube and rail interchange stations, according to the report.

Under-staffing blamed

The committee blamed poor coordination between rail companies and authorities, as well as a lack of station staff.

British Transport Police resources are also "overstretched". There are only 215 officers patrolling railway stations in north London, and 212 in south London.

Earlier this month City lawyer Tom ap Rhys Pryce was stabbed to death shortly after leaving the un-staffed Kensal Green station in north-west London. Minutes before the murder a second man was robbed at the same station.

"Recent tragic crimes have highlighted a problem which has prevailed for many years," said transport committee chair Roger Evans.

"It is unacceptable that many of London's train stations are unwelcoming and threatening areas, especially during evenings."

The committee said more BTP officers and station staff were needed, especially in off-peak hours. It also called for stricter security standards in rail franchises.