Celebrating 10 Years of ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ – A Decade of Enhancing Safety on Britain’s Railways

The ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign celebrates a decade of success, having facilitated over 1.5 million texts to the British Transport Police (BTP) and resulting in nearly 83,000 recorded crimes. This initiative has demonstrated the significant impact a single text can have, leading to 175,000 police deployments over the past ten years.

Since its inception in 2016, the campaign has emerged as one of the most recognisable public safety messages in the UK. It encourages passengers to trust their instincts and report any suspicious activities to the BTP. The response has been overwhelming, with more than 200,000 texts being sent annually via the 61016 service, marking a nearly tenfold increase in communication since the campaign’s launch. Collectively, these texts have prompted substantial police activity across the rail network.

Government Commitment to Passenger Safety

Rail Minister Lord Hendy stated, “We’re committed to making our railways safe, and for a decade, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has played a vital role in doing this, supporting the British Transport Police and transforming how people report crimes and issues across the network.” The nearly 83,000 crimes reported through the 61016 service underscore the effectiveness of passenger involvement in enhancing safety.

Research indicates that over 60% of the public feel more secure due to visible security measures while travelling. The ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ initiative is now mandated across all train operators and stations in England, Scotland, and Wales, reinforcing its status as a prominent and widely recognised public safety campaign.

Expanding the Scope of Reporting

Originally focused on counter-terrorism, the campaign has evolved to promote the 61016 text number for reporting a variety of crimes and safety concerns. A notable case occurred in March 2025 when a passenger on a train to London Euston observed a man viewing inappropriate material on his phone and discreetly reported it via text. Prompt police action resulted in the apprehension and conviction of the individual, highlighting the pivotal role a single text can play in delivering justice.

British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi remarked, “For 10 years, ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ has encouraged passengers to report anything that doesn’t feel right, raising awareness of our 61016 text service, which now receives over 25,000 messages each month.” This free and discreet service empowers passengers to report crimes, suspicious behaviour, and harassment directly, enabling rapid responses to ensure safety and justice.

Funding and Initiatives for Enhanced Safety

The government is reinforcing its commitment to railway safety by allocating an additional £63 million to the British Transport Police over the next three years, which will fund the recruitment of 200 more officers. This includes a specialised team aimed at reducing violence and intimidation against women and girls. Additionally, a £17 million investment is designated for improving CCTV systems at stations, and rail operators will now be evaluated on their efforts to combat violence against women and girls.

Through these initiatives and the sustained efforts of the ‘See it. Say it. Sorted.’ campaign, the commitment to ensuring a safer travel environment for passengers remains a top priority.