Perceptions and experiences of crime on public transport

In April 2004, the Department for Transport published the findings of a major national survey into people's perceptions of security and crime on public transport. Whilst 64% of respondents felt positive about their personal security while traveling, some people can still feel apprehensive. And these apprehensions often reflected the respondent's age, gender and ethnic background; for example:

* Men, being more likely to be a victim of violence or robbery, felt more fearful of the presence of groups of other men

* Women, who were more likely to experience harassment or sexual assault, are more concerned about the behavior of lone men

* Younger people were found to be most likely to experience being threatened or stared at in a hostile or intimidating manner.

* Ethnic minority passengers felt further exposed to the wider experience of racial harassment and therefore likely to have concerns, but were less likely to report any incidents.

* Disabled people felt particularly vulnerable to the threat of crime where access to transport is limited or via poorly lit, isolated routes.