TRANSPORT police targeted drugs and knives in a crackdown at south London stations this week.

More than 60 British Transport Police officers provided a more visible presence at Lewisham, Bromley South and other mainline stations - and used a mobile metal detecting arch and drug dogs to search passengers.

During the first four days of last week, 74 people were arrested for offences including possession of Class A and Class C drugs, theft and possession of an offensive weapon.

The campaign coincided with the first week of the summer holiday period - historically a time when the number of low-level disorder offences on public transport is high.

During the summer holiday period last year BTP recorded 691 low-level disorder offences at stations across the south.

BTP Inspector Graham Urry said: "We're hopeful that by having this operation in place, along with a high-visibility policing presence, that we can deter those who may be thinking of engaging in anti-social activity from doing so."

He added : "This is the start of an ongoing policing presence for the summer break. Our message is clear - if you engage in criminal activity on the railway, you will be caught."