CENTRAL Line users now have the added security of a dedicated 24-hour police response team patrolling the east London line.
The British Transport Police (BTP) Response Team, which covers the area from Mile End to Epping, consists of 21 officers on duty 24 hours per day and seven days per week.
Launched yesterday at West Ham police station, the rapid response team will provide support for the existing reassurance police teams in the east London area, covering Mile End to the end of both the Central and District lines.
The launch comes a week after Mayor Ken Livingstone announced the success of Operation Cyprus another joint BTP and London Underground operation on the eastern section of the District Line.
A British Transport Police spokesman said: "The new response team will be supported by two motorbikes, two vehicles with capacity to hold two prisoners each, and resources from the dog unit.
"In the six months to the end of September Operation Cyprus saw robbery cut by 33 per cent, assaults down seven per cent, staff assaults down 25 per cent and a 37 per cent reduction in vandalism of trains and stations. As a result London Underground staff morale is significantly up." The launch of the response team is the next phase in BTP's policing strategy in east London. The force is committed to delivering a safe railway environment in east London, free from disruption and the fear of crime.
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