A text number which rail passengers can use to report non-emergency incidents has received 1,400 messages in Scotland since it was launched, police chiefs have said.
British Transport Police (BTP) launched the 61016 text service - which encourages rail users to report incidents as and when they occur without endangering themselves - four years ago.
A total of 62,000 messages from UK rail users has been received since March 2013. Police say this has led to more than 10,000 incidents being recorded and over 4,700 crimes.
Alongside ScotRail and Transport Scotland, BTP officers unveiled a newly-wrapped train promoting the service in November last year.
Since then, police say they have seen a noticeable increase in the number of messages being sent.
Chief Superintendent John McBride, divisional commander for Scotland, said: "Policing a moving train has its challenges; however the text service has enabled us to offer passengers a hassle-free way to report concerns.
"We're now able to be where we need to be as a result of their contact.
"Text messages should never be sent in an emergency situation as due to mobile phone signal there are no guarantees that they send correctly or are received promptly.
"We are thrilled that more than 1,400 people have chosen to use this service and we hope that the ease of being able to send a quick text message will encourage more passengers to report incidents."
David Lister, sustainability and safety assurance director at ScotRail Alliance, said: "The text 61016 service has made it easier and safer for our customers to contact the police discreetly and report crime on the railway that otherwise may have gone unchallenged.
"Criminality on trains, while quite uncommon, is never acceptable and we will do everything we can to assist BTP in carrying out their duties where required."
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