A man has been arrested at Stratford station after a woman discreetly reported an incident of indecent exposure while travelling on the London Underground.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed the arrest came after they received a text report from a woman who said a man had exposed himself to her on a tube train. The woman, remaining calm and composed, quietly messaged BTP via their 61016 text service, providing key details that enabled officers to locate the suspect swiftly.
Officers met the train at Stratford station, where the man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.
BTP praised the victim for her quick thinking and encouraged others to make use of the discreet text reporting line in similar situations.
In a public statement, BTP said:
“We got a text report last night from a woman on the Tube that a man had exposed himself to her. Discreetly through text, she directed officers to his location at Stratford station where they arrested him. Save our text number in case you need us – 61016 ”
The text line allows victims and witnesses to report incidents on public transport without drawing attention to themselves—ideal for situations where it may not be safe to make a phone call.
Anyone who witnesses or experiences a crime on the transport network is encouraged to contact BTP by texting 61016, calling 0800 40 50 40, or in an emergency, dialling 999.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
