104 fare-dodgers caught by London Midland trains

London Midland had 40 revenue protection and security staff carrying out the checks, which also resulted in an additional four passengers being interviewed under caution. The value of the dodged fares was in excess of £3,000.

Around 20,000 tickets were checked during the morning exercise, with staff on the lookout for passengers avoiding paying, counterfeit season tickets, and abuse of London’s Oyster Card system.

London Midland provides commuter services to London for passengers from stations including Wolverton, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Leighton Buzzard, Cheddington, Tring, Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and Apsley.

Tom Joyner, London Midland’s passenger services director, said: “London Midland’s new approach is all about being flexible – so fare dodgers will never know when and where they might be challenged.

“You could say we want to keep people on their guard – so it is never worth the risk of trying to cheat. Our new approach is already being welcomed by genuine passengers.

“This will drive down anti-social behaviour and educate people about the need to buy a ticket before getting on the train.”