CRIME on a railway network has dropped by 10 per cent, according to recently released figures.

The statistics show there were 4,740 crimes on the Southern railway network, which includes Penge West, Brockley and Anerley stations, last year, compared with the 5,283 in 2006.

This figure includes a 16.75 per cent drop in violent crime from 639 instances in 2006 to 537 last year.

Criminal damage fell by 22 per cent from 800 incidents to 625.

Southern's head of security, David Hynes, said: "Combating crime is a partnership effort and we are grateful for the significant contribution made by British Transport Police and Transport for London in helping us to achieve these excellent results.

"Southern has invested significant amounts of time, effort and money, resulting in these tremendous figures.

"Although this is good news for our passengers and staff, we recognise crime needs to be reduced further.

"We will continue to work hard to maintain this positive trend."