POLICE motorbike patrols are being used on the railways in a bid to combat crime.

Fast-response officers will be dispatched to crime hot spots as part of measures to tie in with National Railway Crime Week.

British Transport Police (BTP) will focus on Beckenham Junction, Penge and Mottingham, as well as other areas in south London which are the worst hit for youth crime, vandalism and trespassers.

Railtrack’s not-for-profit successor Network Rail is sponsoring the scheme for three years.

During peak times, there is a crime on the network every four-and-a-half minutes, such as missiles being thrown at trains or obstructions put on the tracks.

Other measures include sports projects, poster campaigns and leafleting.

Report incidents to BTP on 0800 405040.