Empty Tube ticket offices should be used as a police contact point, according to a new report.

The Capital City Foundation argued on Monday (March 14) that London Underground ticket offices that have closed in the past year should be converted into 'Underground Police Points'.

They say that this would mean commuters would see a police presence more often, helping to boost public confidence in the force.

Many Transport for London (TfL) ticket offices closed on the underground network last year and partners are now reportedly being sought to help redevelop the empty space.

The report says that a police presence at the old ticket offices would be able to provide the services for victims and members of the public that is currently the case in police front office counters.

READ MORE:Some London ticket barriers are open 60% of the time

Police would be able to record details of crimes and vehicle accidents, deal with missing people, store identifiable and valuable lost property, look after victims and witnesses and provide first aid in emergencies.

The report suggests that the ‘Underground Police Points’ should also be located on lines where the 24-hour Night Tube will run.

This comes after a report stated there will be a 50% increase in officers policing Night Tube, with the 24-hour service likely to begin later this year.

'Londoners would feel reassured'

Author of the report, Glyn Gaskarth said: “Underground Police Points would dramatically increase the visibility of the police. The tube station is a more easily identifiable landmark than the local supermarket, town hall or library.

“Millions of Londoners would feel reassured to see the police at least twice a day travelling to and from work.”

When asked about the proposals, Transport for London (TfL) declined to comment. However a spokesperson said that a process is currently underway to determine what to do with empty ticket stations on the underground network.

Retail shops have already started to populate the empty ticket stations, with a pop-up Estée Lauder store launching in Piccadilly Circus station last year.

The TfL spokesperson said that there are plans in place for commercial development, which they say is part of “TfL’s ambitious plans to generate £3.4bn in non-fares commercial revenue by 2023 which it will reinvest in London’s transport network”.

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