Rail companies are cracking down on antisocial behaviour and people trying to jump the barriers without tickets.

The operation includes additional officers patrolling and responding to incidents at stations and on trains in Sussex this month.

It comes after a spate of crime on and around railway lines between Hove to Littlehampton which The Argus revealed in an exclusive investigation last year.

This operation will be centred around Chichester after previous work to stop crime in more remote locations including Angmering and Fishbourne.

“Helping people to feel and stay safe is a priority for us — and it is something that we are constantly working on with our partners. Operation Petra is a great example of this,” said Councillor Tracie Bangert, cabinet member for communities and wellbeing at Chichester District Council.

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“These operations take place at various times throughout the year to support station managers and take action against those who may be causing trouble or trying to jump the barriers without tickets.

“Making sure that residents and visitors feel safe travelling in and out of the district is vital. This is why joint action days such as these are so important.”

Operation Petra brings together Chichester District Council, the British Transport Police, Sussex Police, Network Rail, Southern Rail, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and Stagecoach bus company.

In September, a conductor was attacked at Worthing railway station while placing a ramp on to the train for a disabled passenger.

The West Coastway line has previously been described as a “hot spot” for assaults and antisocial behaviour by Govia Thameslink Railway.

The Argus: Kwik Vape in Tarring Road, Worthing, was targeted in February 2022. Right, the waiting room where Puccino's cafe is that was set alight in June 2022Kwik Vape in Tarring Road, Worthing, was targeted in February 2022. Right, the waiting room where Puccino's cafe is that was set alight in June 2022 (Image: Newsquest)

Several businesses in the immediate vicinity of train stations have been targeted, from Goring all the way up to Hove.

These crimes include shoplifting, assault, criminal damage and even arson attacks at West Worthing railway station.

Southern Rail said in August last year it had invested £35,000 in security staff to help “tackle” the issue.