British Transport Police (BTP) are urgently appealing for information following a violent robbery at Waltham Cross railway station on the night of Saturday, 19 April 2025.
At approximately 10:50pm, a female passenger travelling on a Greater Anglia train from Stratford was attacked by a man who attempted to snatch her phone. The assailant then dragged her off the train and onto the platform, where he punched her to the ground before fleeing.
Suspect Description & CCTV Appeal
BTP have %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% of a man they want to speak with in connection with the robbery. He is described as:
- Young Black %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%%
- %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%%, black Nike hoodie, and black puffer jacket
- Has dark hair and brown eyes
The victim sustained injuries, though %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% have not released further medical details. The incident has triggered heightened concerns about safety on late-night %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%%.
How to Help
Anyone who %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% in the CCTV image or has any information is urged to:
- Text 61016
- %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% 40
- Quote reference: 867 of 19 April
- Or %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% on 0800 555 111
BTP state that public cooperation and CCTV analysis are central to their 2024-2025 %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% to tackle crime on the railway.
Community Reaction
The case has %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% outrage, with residents and rail users voicing concerns across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).
One user wrote:
"No one should be afraid to travel alone. We need more %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%% late at night."
Another shared the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% with the caption:
"Please RT. Let's help find him."
Rail Crime in Context
Although rail-related robberies remain relatively rare, Office for National Statistics data show a slight increase in violent %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_12%% on public transport since 2023.
According to BTP's crime mapping data, there were six %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_13%% in the Waltham Cross station area in October 2024 alone. Transport for %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_14%% has advocated for increased lighting and staffing at key commuter stations.
Rail Safety Tips
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_15%% and passenger advocacy groups recommend:
- Avoid travelling alone late at night when possible
- Be %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_16%% of your surroundings and avoid distractions like headphones
- %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_17%% or to station staff
