Today I had to travel from Bromley South to Denmark Hill accompanied by my
13yr old grandson, who expressed concerns about safety. I reassured him and,
as far as Nunhead at least, all was well. There a middle aged drunk got on,
complete with beer can, and ambled down the carriage with an inane grin on
his face. He sat down, put his can in the walkway and emptied his pockets of
various items (one of which appeared to be a Freedom Pass) on the seat
opposite me, then mumbled to a man sitting near him, before rising,
collecting his bits and ambling off the train again at Peckham Rye, still
grinning. Not frightening, but still the sort of thing which causes concern.

On arrival at Denmark Hill, as we approached the stairs, a girl of around 20
(although her face looked about 60) with beer can in hand stopped to stare
at a baby in a pram and to question its mother, who hastily declined any
help with the buggy. Similar sort of situation as above.

On my return, alone, I had a 20 minute wait. After a few minutes 3 youths
and a girl arrived, took over one of the benches and by their behaviour
forced the female occupant to move away. They were not threatening to other
passengers (sorry, customers) but argued amongst themselves. On the train,
during the journey to Bellingham where they alighted, they passed back and
forth through the train shouting at each other, which is always of concern
to anyone with property.

Finally, as we pulled into Ravensbourne, there were 4 teenagers, probably
15-17, with hoods of various types on the platform. They moved past my
window at the start of the rear carriage and I expected to hear them get on.
A few moments later, there was a sudden shout from the rear of the carriage:
"****, he's taken my bag". By the time I could see down the fairly full
carriage, they had all disappeared up the adjacent exit. The train then
proceeded to Bromley where I alighted and the female victim went to report
her loss.

So, nothing happened to me, I wasn't threatened or harassed, I won't be
statistic but no, along with other passengers I didn't enjoy my trip!

MaxB