British Transport Police (BTP) are urging Bexley youngsters to protect their phones, tablets and laptops from theft on trains.

Officers are making the call in a bid to further reduce the amount lost and stolen on the transport network each year.

As the new academic year begins, BTP is stepping-up patrols on busy lines near universities, telling students to register their gadgets on a national database.

The advice comes following the launch of Operation Magnum on September 11 - an operation designed to combat the theft of passenger property from trains and stations.

Detective Inspector Jez Walley, who is leading the operation, said: "As school and college students begin the new term, we want them to protect their property.

"Many have high-value laptops, tablets and smartphones - easy pickings for thieves - and there are some simple steps they can take to reduce the chances of them becoming a victim.

"Last year we received over 5,750 reports of theft of personal property from train passengers in London and the South-East.

"This was reduction of 10 per cent on 2012, but hand-held gadgets continue to be a prime target for pickpockets and opportunist thieves."