A SPECIAL police team has been launched to help reduce rail crime in Ayrshire.

A SPECIAL police team has been launched to help reduce rail crime in Ayrshire.

British Transport Police has started the initiative to reassure passengers and staff using trains and stations.

It is also an attempt to curb anti-social behaviour and for the officers to become closely involved with the communities.

Constables Elaine Johnstone and John McGuire will be based at Kilwinning station BTP office and patrol trains and stations, including Dalry, Irvine, Ardrossan South Beach and Town, West Kilbride, Fairlie and Largs.

Constable Johnstone said: "We are looking forward to finding out what the local problems are."

Constable McGuire added: "We can then decide together what should be done to combat these problems and then let people know what is being done and find out if they are satisfied with the solution."

There are already established teams based at Glasgow Central and Queen Street; Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket; Stirling; and Falkirk High stations, as well as Glasgow's Subway network.

Another team is due to take its place soon on the line between Glasgow Queen Street and Drumgelloch, near Airdrie.

A ScotRail spokesman said: "Our customers and staff are encouraged to contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team directly by phone, e-mail or personally at regular surgeries."