South Western Railway (SWR) is increasing its use of body-worn video cameras to tackle the increase in assaults and abuse to its staff.

This year, the company has recorded more than two assaults every day, with incidents of violence and public order offences doubling since 2020-21, according to British Transport Police (BTP).

While improved reporting may be an explanation, there are also similar rises in abuse in the healthcare and retail sectors.

SWR is therefore increasing the use of body-worn cameras to tackle the issue, which was first trialled in 2021.

The cameras can capture 30 seconds of footage prior to being switched on and can discourage anti-social behaviour.

SWR has released a new poster campaign which depicts abuse picked up on cameras towards staff, and the potential consequences of such actions.

SWR's new campaign posters (Credit: SWR)

A University of Cambridge study, which was commissioned by the Rail Delivery Group and BTP, found that the use of these cameras can reduce the likelihood of assaults by 47%.

Jane Lupson, Safety and Security Director for South Western Railway, said: "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."

SWR has achieved the highest possible score of 100% for BTP's Safeguarding on Rail scheme for two years running and has also launched a new colleague app which eases the process of reporting incidents.