Transport for London has recorded a rise in crime across the tube network, with Harrow stations seeing an increase in sex offences over the past year.
Figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice show that 205 crimes were reported at Harrow’s tube stations in 2024, up from 197 the previous year.
Of those, the number of sexual offences increased from 5 in 2023 to 7 in 2024.
Across London, TfL reported a 13% rise in tube crime overall, with more than 2,000 sexual offences recorded last year. The Central line had the highest number of incidents.
TfL said this increase was partly due to more awareness campaigns and improved bystander intervention, as well as British Transport Police (BTP) now recording incidents such as intrusive staring and verbal harassment as offences.
BTP Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said: “Tackling sexual offences is our top priority at British Transport Police, and we take every report of sexual harassment or violence extremely seriously.
“We know that these crimes commonly go underreported, which is why we relentlessly campaign to encourage witnesses and victims to report these offences to us. With this, we expect the number of reports to continue to rise.
“We view this increase as a positive sign that our efforts are paying off, and that women and girls are feeling more confident to report all forms of sexual harassment and violence to us.”
Harrow On The Hill station saw the highest number of crimes locally, with 150 offences logged since 2023, followed by Stanmore, where 99 crimes were reported.
TfL data also shows that theft remains the most common crime across the network, accounting for 60% of all tube-related offences and 40% at stations.
Other crimes included violence, public order offences, drug-related incidents and graffiti. Violent offences across the network rose to 3,542 in 2023—20% higher than the year before.
Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice said sexual offences such as indecent exposure or cyberflashing can have long-term psychological impacts on victims and highlighted the continued under-reporting of harassment on the underground.
Detective Chief Inspector Mellor added: “We are working tirelessly to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour. We have patrols of uniformed and specially trained plain clothes officers to catch offenders and reassure passengers as they travel.
“Each report we receive provides us with valuable information which we can use to build a picture of an offender. Often it allows us to notice a pattern of offending behaviour so we can take action.
“If you experience or witness sexual harassment or a sexual offence, we urge you to report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
