OPERATION TORNADO HIGHBURY & ISLINGTON

On Thursday 20 April, Toni-Anne Davis, communications coordinator, was invited to Operation Tornado at Highbury and Islington station by Elizabeth Umoke, head of revenue protection and security.

Welcomed by Anthony Thompson, revenue protection and security strategy manager, who briefed the group for the evening. It was a joint operation between London underground, overground and BTP, with the support of representatives from LUL, GTR, CPOS and London Buses.

The objective was to tackle ticketless travel, workplace violence, aggression, and anti-social behaviour. Highbury and Islington station was chosen for operation tornado as the station experiences up to 85 per cent ridership during peak times.

"People's behaviour has changed rapidly since COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. They are a lot more volatile when caught. - Anthony Thompson, revenue protection & security strategy manager

These operations are put in place to provide a united front against violent action towards our colleagues. In providing this support, the day is also an excellent opportunity to gather invaluable intel.

"Revenue side goes hide in hide with police work. Because individuals involved with criminality tend not to have valid tickets, revenue-related matters are one of the leading causes of workplace violence and aggression, so BTP supporting our ARL colleagues can only be a good thing". - Sgt Michael While, BTP

Highbury & Islington station is a central point to interact with a lot of customers due to the many connecting lines that pass through daily. Taking place just before peak time at 4pm, provided the opportunity to catch customers in the middle of their journey.

"Today is a very busy day, especially with it being 4/20, so a lot of customers are coming in from Hyde Park. I'm on the eye out for e-scooters because the BTP doesn't keep an eye out for that." - Jermadine Farrell, former STM for London overground, now operations officer for TSA

"These days are brilliant because we deal with a lot of grief daily, so I welcome the presence." - Lisa Kerim, CSA London Underground

Customers are not only more aggressive towards our colleagues, but they are much more well-informed. They know RPIs cannot detain them, only to report and possibly fine them. The heavy British Transport Police presence notifies the public that RPIs have the support of the local authorities to tackle their ticketless travel and violent behaviour.

"Station colleagues can't detain members of the public, so the large presence does help more with preventing customer aggression towards staff. As well as support with issues of ticketless travel." - James Blythe, BTP officer stationed with ARL.

Here are the provisional results from Op Tornado, HHY, on Thursday 20 April:

London Overground - 46 PFNs & 21IRs
GTR – 22MG11s & 10 PFNs
TSEs (CPOS) – 10 unfolded bikes, one loitering, one beggar, three alcohol and one refusal for an e-scooter.
BTP – two arrests for knife crime (carrying a knife), one of the individuals was also arrested for a drug offence.
LUL – six PFNs & one IR

"Operations like these take months to plan to work with all these TOCs. They don't happen frequently, but we try and do them once a month." - Charlotte Whitfield, customer experience director.

As the operation drew concluded, Toni-Anne spoke to some customers to gather their thoughts.

"Looks intimidating the fact that the police are here. I wasn't aware RPIs get attacked so often. It does feel a bit aggressive. But if it does help, I'm all for it." - customer.

"The challenge is it causes so much disruption. It is an issue if people are not paying for travel and are aggressive towards staff members. I can appreciate that it needs to be addressed. There may be a need for more education and awareness for customers so that we can help tackle the issue." – customer.

"There is still a need for more support on a day-to-day basis. We are getting smarter - by recognising a potential threat before approaching. Focusing more on reporting than engaging with invaders." - Moses Olawoyin, (Operation Manager, Scobic Ltd).

Scroll down to see operation tornado in action.

OPERATION TORNADO

Disclaimer: Not all individuals in these photos are travelling on public transport without paying a fare.