British Transport Police has launched a discreet method for travellers to alert them of incidents, for instance whilst on a train or at a train station.
The text message service has been established to allow users make police aware of a situation without drawing attention to themselves and risking an escalation of the initial concern.
Reporting details of a suspected crime or incident to 61016, police will be able log details and respond to problems.
You can also email information to 61016@btp.pnn.police.uk and the message will still be received into the police contact centre and dealt with in the same manner.
British Transport Police said: “speed of response would depend on the situation and location but the text goes straight through to our contact centre, just like a call.”
They’ve also reminded users that British Transport Police covers the rail network, and not buses.
In an emergency, you should always call 999.
If you ever need us on your journey, remember you can discreetly send us a text message.
Just key in 61016 with what’s happened and where you are. We’ll be there.#WeAreBTP ?♀️ pic.twitter.com/66KqwVcF3m
— British Transport Police (@BTP) January 31, 2020
