Train operator London Midland is equipping its staff with body cameras to crack down on anti-social behaviour and persistent fare-dodgers.

The company, which recently announced an investment spree, hopes the cameras will improve customer service while also deterring and detecting anti-social behaviour.
Body cameras are being issued to revenue protection and security officers based at London Midland's regional centres in the West Midlands, Crewe and Milton Keynes.

London Midland manages 148 stations and operates between London Euston, Birmingham and Liverpool.

Darren Hanley, the train company's head of revenue protection, prosecutions and security, said: "There are clearly a number of advantages with this initiative.

"Not only does it act as an enhancement to the safety of our employees and customers, it also plays a pivotal role in the evidence gathering process when taking action against fare evaders and those committing anti-social behaviour, or breaching the by-laws whilst on our network.

"The evidence gathered from the body cameras, which effectively act as mobile CCTV, will really help us to secure prosecutions against persistent and high-level offenders.

"This initiative is part of London Midland's commitment to further improve the safety and security of our people and our passengers."