THE RMT union has warned that the failure to guarantee guards on Northern rail services could lead to a surge in crime.

It said from 527 Northern train stations 333 were already unstaffed and claimed crime and anti-social behaviour could increase if guards were removed.

The union has accused Northern, which is operated by Arriva, of reneging on previous guarantees over the role of the guard and fears a move to driver only trains as part of the company’s modernisation plans.

Its members are due to walk out again for 24 hours today in the latest chapter in the dispute.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Removing staff from trains, which will travel through over 300 unstaffed stations, is a toxic combination that will increase anti-social behaviour and unleash a surge in crime.

“The public are right to be concerned and that is why they are backing the RMT’s fight for the guarantee of a guard on Northern trains.”

Richard Allan, Northern's deputy managing director, said: "Our proposals, which we want to discuss further with RMT, will see staff more visible and available than ever before on trains and on stations.

"Any changes to Northern's services are always fully risk assessed, consulted upon, and approved in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation."

Northern is planning to run more than 40 per cent of its normal rail services during today’s industrial action.

The services will be supplemented by more than 300 rail replacement buses.

Extra carriages have been added on the Middlesbrough to Whitby line because of the Tour de Yorkshire cycling event.