TO ensure everyone's safety this festive season, British Transport Police (BTP) and Transport Scotland are launching a joint operation that will include more officers on the rail network. 

BTP will be on patrol to engage with the public and to raise awareness of the ability to report crimes by texting 61016. 

In Glasgow, the patrols will focus mainly on Central and Queen Street Station, though there will be an increased presence across the whole network throughout December.

With an emphasis on Fridays and Saturdays, the high visibility patrols on trains and in stations are dedicated to keeping the public safe and will tackle anti-social behaviour and sexual harassment. 

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BTP is also reminding the public to be respectful to rail staff and to continue following health regulations and where a face covering when travelling. 

Superintendent David Marshall, head of operations in Scotland, said: "We want to make sure everyone enjoys the festive season with friends and family.

"We'll be working closely with our partners to ensure everyone does so safely. 

"Our officers will continue patrolling the rail network and they will be reminding passengers of our text 61016 number for reporting crimes on the rail network. 

"Please save the number on your phone. 

"If you need us, text the number. 

"Despite more police officers on the rail network, rail staff and members of the public are our eyes and ears and a major part of the railway family. 

"Passengers have a vital role in helping make the rail network safe for everyone, by reporting anything that doesn't feel right - for example an unattended item, someone acting suspiciously or inappropriately, or looking distressed, lost or vulnerable.

"By working together, we can ensure everyone enjoys this festive period safely."

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John McBrinn, ScotRail Customer Operations Manager, said: "It's important that people enjoy the festive period, but it's also important that everyone - customers and our staff - are able to complete their journey's safely and peacefully. 

"We will assist British Transport Police in any way we can to help tackle any anti-social behaviour on trains and around stations over the festive period, and we'd encourage anyone who has safety concerns to contact BTP using their discreet text service, or call 999 in an emergency."

Graeme Dey, Minister for Transport, added: "Abuse of rails workers and other passengers is wholly unacceptable; violence and abuse will not be tolerated. 

"The campaign has my full backing and those working on our public transport have an indisputable right to go about their business without being subjected to verbal or physical assault."

If you see something that doesn't feel right you can report it by testing the British Transport Police on 61016, sending the details via the online reporting tool, or calling 0800 40 50 40 at any time. 

If you or someone else is in immediate dangers, call 999.