TfL to tackle hate crime through VR experiences

Transport for London (TfL) is hosting virtual reality demonstrations at some of London's stations to show passengers what it is like to witness a hate crime and how to respond safely.

The demonstrations will take place at Stratford, Liverpool Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Victoria, Euston, Golders Green, Stamford Hill and Finsbury Park.

The immersive experience puts people in the shoes of a bystander witnessing a hate crime and shows ways they can safely step in and support the person being targeted.

It comes after 2,396 hate crimes were recorded on London's transport network between January and August 2026, up 36% on the same period last year.

TfL said a number of factors had contributed to the rise, including improved reporting of offences, and international events.

The drop-in VR events will take place at the following stations:

• Monday 12 October: Stratford, 10:00-12:00; Liverpool Street, 13:30-15:30
• Tuesday 13 October: Harrow-on-the-Hill, 12:00-15:00
• Wednesday 14 October: Victoria, 10:00-12:00; Euston, 13:30-15:30
• Thursday 15 October: Golders Green, 12:00-15:00
• Friday 16 October: Stamford Hill, 10:00-12:00; Finsbury Park, 13:30-15:30

As well as the station events, TfL is funding six free online active bystander training sessions, delivered by the charity Protection Approaches.

The sessions, which can be booked via Eventbrite, guide participants through different hate crime scenarios and show them how to intervene safely.

Kaya Comer-Schwartz, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: "Everyone should feel safe and be safe when travelling in London.

"Hate crime and harassment have no place on our transport network, or anywhere in our city, and we are determined to tackle and prevent these awful crimes."

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