ROBBERIES on trains in the North-East leapt by more than 50 per cent in the past year, according to the latest figures released by the British Transport Police.

But the report, released today, reveals how rail travel is generally safer in the region than in the rest of the country.

Overall, crime on the region's railways has decreased by 6.3 per cent in the past 12 months, compared with a national increase of 5.6 per cent.

Criminal damage is down by 15 per cent and violent crime is also down in the North-East by three per cent.

But several classes of crime saw a significant rise during the year.

Sexual offences have increased by 4.7 per cent, drugs offences were up by more than 14 per cent, and robberies rocketed from 44 incidents to 68.

Police attribute the general increase in crime on Britain's rail systems to an increase in the amount of reported route crime, such as obstructing trains and endangering safety, which has increased by 113 per cent since last July.

In his report, Chief Constable Ian Johnson says that only a fraction of the potentially dangerous events are recorded by police.

He also states that police have faced additional challenges.

He says: "2001/2002 has been a year of rebuilding for the rail industry after the Hatfield crash. For the British Transport Police, it has been a year of considerable challenges, not least in confronting rising violent crime and robberies nationally and in responding to the aftermath of September 11."

He also highlights an increase in disorder among travelling football fans.

Chief Constable Johnson states: "Football disorder has grown, is more organised and, where it does occur, is more serious.

"Day in day out, officers are dealing with potentially critical public order situations."