Hannah Lindsay has become Govia Thameslink Railway’s (GTR) first ever security improvement manager.
Hannah joined GTR as a rail enforcement officer (REO) in 2019, where she worked on the frontline keeping customers safe for four years. Now GTR’s first-ever security improvement manager, Hannah has turned her attention to cracking down on antisocial behaviour as part of the train operator’s £2.5 million Antisocial Behaviour Improvement Plan.
“I’ve always been passionate about security and policing from my time as a Rail Enforcement Officer, so when I saw the security improvement manager role I applied straight away, because I want to help drive change so our customers and colleagues feel safe on our network. My role is one of several new positions GTR is investing in to bolster our safety and security teams, so I’m excited to make a difference over the next 12 months.”
One of Hannah’s first projects will be supporting stations through the Secure Station Scheme, which is run by the Department for Transport (DfT) and British Transport Police (BTP). Stations can receive accredited status by ensuring crime is monitored, reported and investigated properly.
“The crucial element to the Secure Stations Scheme is to review potential patterns behind crime to put preventative measures in place. For example, if a station has a problem with graffiti and vandalism, we must identify how we can increase the risk of detection, implement additional surveillance techniques and review how we can communicate and engage with people in that area to resolve that issue.
“Even when our stations and services are safe, it’s often the feeling of safety which is so important to our passengers, and that’s what I want to work with colleagues to develop.”
Hannah, 33, said her role as an REO was a great introduction to the railway, because she gained vital experience with challenging antisocial behaviour.
“After I left my job in finance, I took some time out to go travelling for a few months. When I returned, I wanted to start afresh in a new industry and my dad, who is a driver for GTR, couldn’t recommend the railway enough. I found the REO role and successfully applied for it, because I’m passionate about improving our communities.
“It was great being out and about on the network, tackling antisocial behaviour and learning about how criminals and gangs operated, because it really taught me about what about what it takes to help make our customers feel safe.”
To find out more about GTR’s new Antisocial Behaviour Improvement Plan, click here.
Image credit: GTR