by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Assaults on Southeastern staff have fallen by 44% after the train operator stepped up security systems that have scooped a national award.

The company won the Safety and Security Excellence award in the 15th Rail Business Awards in London last night.

The operator's action to improve passenger safety and cut the number of assaults against its staff, which had been on the rise, were factors behind the judges' choice. Assaults has since plunged by 44%

Southeastern's new Eyewitness incident reporting scheme, an easy-to-use crime email reporting system for passengers, has made a difference, allowing the operator to respond quickly to reported incidents. It also identifies possible hotspots and trends.

Other steps include closer co-operation with British Transport Police in its crackdown on assaults and other crimes, and greater use of CCTV.

Judges said: “It is pleasing to see the successful fusion of technology and close co-operation between rail staff and the police.

"Against the backdrop of one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network, this programme has delivered some great results.“

The award was sponsored by Gael and the presentation was made at the London Hilton, Park Lane.