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More body cameras on Devon Trains to protect staff

SWR's new poster campaign to curb rise in assaults / Image: South Western Railway

Two assaults reported a day

South Western Railway, which operates trains in Devon, is expanding its use of body-worn video cameras for staff.

The huge jump in assaults and abuse over the past five years, with more than two assaults recorded every day, is why frontline staff like train guards and gateline assistants are now using this technology.

The number of violent attacks and verbal threats has doubled in the last five years, according to the British Transport Police.

Other public sectors, like the NHS and retail, have also seen similar increases. Posters are being displayed around stations to deter potential attackers.

A study by the University of Cambridge showed that wearing body cameras can reduce the likelihood of being assaulted by 47%.

The cameras capture 30 seconds of footage before activation, which can deter potential attackers and provide valuable evidence for legal proceedings.

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