No CCTV: When train attacks go unrecorded

No CCTV: When train attacks go unrecorded

From File on 4 Investigates by BBC Radio 4

February 24, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

The episode explores the rise of sexual harassment and assault on the rail network and the challenges posed by a lack of CCTV evidence.

Sexual harassment and assault on the rail network is on the rise across England, Wales and Scotland but a lack of CCTV evidence is preventing justice for victims in some cases. Claire Jones examines how broken cameras and train companies not retaining CCTV footage for long enough has been hampering police investigations. She goes on patrol with British Transport Police on the London Underground, speaks to police and victims about how frustrating it can be when key evidence cannot be accessed and sees some of the newest surveillance technology, currently not available on trains, in action. Details of organisations offering help and support for anyone affected by sexual violence are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline Reporter: Claire Jones Producer: Nicola Dowling Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley Editor: Tara McDermott

People in this episode

Hosts: Claire Jones, Tim Fernley, Tara McDermott

Topics covered

  • sexual harassment
  • train safety
  • CCTV issues
  • police investigations
  • victim support
  • surveillance technology

Keywords

  • sexual violence
  • CCTV
  • train attacks
  • British Transport Police
  • evidence
  • victims
  • surveillance technology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: British Transport Police, BBC

Places: England, Wales, Scotland, London Underground

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