A virtual reality campaign is being used to encourage passengers to speak up safely when they witness hate crime on public transport in London.
The initiative, run by Transport for London (TfL) in partnership with the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police, is taking place during National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 October).
A total of 2,396 hate crimes were recorded on London’s transport network between January and August 2026, a 36% rise on the same period last year.
Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement, said: “The campaign aims to give passengers the confidence and information they need to act when they witness a hate crime.
“Many witnesses want to help but are often unsure what to do.
“TfL is encouraging passengers not to confront perpetrators directly, but instead to approach the victim, offer support, show empathy and encourage them to report the incident.”
During the VR demonstration at London Victoria station, commuters were invited to experience a simulated hate crime scenario and learn how they can safely support victims and intervene as bystanders.
Commuters who tried the VR experience said it could help change attitudes and encourage people to take responsibility for one another’s safety.
Cheryl Allard, a retired London resident who took part in the demonstration, said she found it fascinating, particularly as it was her first time using virtual reality.
“The experience could give people greater confidence when witnessing hate crime, everyone has a responsibility to help keep others safe,” she added.
Hayward said TfL’s awareness campaigns were helping to increase public confidence in reporting hate crime.
“Hate crime involves criminal behaviour motivated by hostility or prejudice towards characteristics such as race, religion, sexual orientation or disability,” she said.
“Hate crime on the transport network often increases in response to significant national and international events.
“Previous spikes have been recorded around Brexit, the war in Iraq, the Hamas attacks in Israel, antisemitic attacks in north London and far-right protests in the capital.”
Hayward said TfL will continue to work with community organisations and the police to raise awareness and encourage more people to report hate crime.
The campaign will continue at three other London stations:
Golders Green – 15 October, 12noon to 3pm.
Stamford Hill – 16 October, 10am to 12noon.
Finsbury Park – 16 October, 1:30pm to 3:30pm.
Passengers who witness an incident on the transport network can text 61016 to contact British Transport Police. They can also call 101 to report incidents, while passenger help points are available across the Underground network.
Featured Image Credit: Swarali Bodas
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