Crime at railway stations has fallen across the county over the last 12 months, according to the latest statistics from British Transport Police.

Since April 2007 reported crime has fallen 12 per cent at Bedford Midland railway station, from 166 incidents to 146.

And at Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and Harlington stations there have been even steeper falls - of 15, 31 and 70 per cent, dropping from a combined total of 227 to 177 incidents.

Arthur Taylor, chairman of the Bedford Commuters Association, said: "We have certainly noticed more revenue protection officers and more police on stations, and that has had an effect.

"As an organisation we have far fewer complaints from ordinary members of the public than we did a few years ago and, touch wood, it will continue to fall.

"If crime is going down, then it is also going to encourage people to use public transport too, because people want to feel safe when they are travelling, especially at night."

Rail operator First Capital Connect manages all four stations. The company attributed the fall to a range of initiatives since taking over the franchise, including being the first train operator to invest in Police Community Support Officers, making significant enhancements to CCTV, and opening a central control centre where footage is monitored 24 hours a day in partnership with the police force.

First Capital Connect also stages regular crime awareness roadshows when it has handed out thousands of bike alarms and provided advice on crime prevention.

Managing director Elaine Holt said: "Security of our customers is a top priority for us and we are delighted that crime has been reduced so substantially in this area.

"We will continue to invest in improvements and initiatives to further reduce crime on our trains and at our stations."