BRITISH Transport Police are warning crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in and around Crewe.

The message comes as part of Not In My Neighbourhood Week, a national initiative to highlight the work being done to make across the country to make communities safer.

Throughout the week, from November 2 to 6, BTP officers will host a series of events and carry out a number of operations to inform the public and restrict opportunities for criminal behaviour.

Inspector Jayne Lewis, who is overseeing the activity for BTP in the North West, said: “BTP is committed to tackling all forms of criminal and anti-social behaviour which undoubtedly has a negative effect on the quality of life of rail users and staff.

“Our activities are designed to show just some of the work that is being done to make the railway a safe environment as well as offering passengers and staff valuable crime reduction and safety advice.”

She added: “People may not immediately think of the railway as a neighbourhood and, as such, may wonder why BTP is involved in this initiative.

“But, in reality, the stations and trains are all miniature communities – often with the same people in the same places at the same times each and every day.

“Because of this passengers and staff think of trains and stations in the same way as they do of their local streets and shops.

“Our aim is to show that by using neighbourhood policing we can address a wide range of issues that affect the railway in the same way that they affect residential and commercial areas.”

In Crewe officers will be on hand throughout the week, carrying out a number of operations as well as holding surgeries in the area.

Inspector Sonja Simister, officer in charge for BTP at Crewe, said: “Thankfully South Cheshire has only relatively minor issues with anti-social behaviour.

"However we understand that just one incident can have a huge impact on both rail passengers and staff.

“My officers will be out and about to tackle any instances of problematic or criminal behaviour and will also conduct surgeries to offer crime prevention advice.”

Activities in Crewe will include a surgery at Crewe railway station on Tuesday November 3 and patrols on November 5 between Crewe and Preston, offering crime prevention advice.