Analysis of 2009 crime statistics by the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has shown that 45% of assaults on railway stations occur at just ten locations. The figures also showed about half the assaults occurred in the daytime.
PTUA President Daniel Bowen said that the figures reinforced the association’s call for all stations to be staffed from first to last train, and with a permanent police presence at the top ten hotspot stations.
The PTUA also wants a review of communications and emergency response times to ensure that station staff can quickly get police or ambulance assistance when required. Police deployment should include a mechanism for radio contact between patrolling police officers and station booking office staff, and be regularly reviewed to ensure chosen locations remain appropriate, with possible expansion if required.
“While people are most concerned about safety on the train system at night, the reality is that about half the assaults happened in broad daylight”, said Mr Bowen.
“And just ten stations accounted for 45% of the incidents reported.
“All together 85 stations had recorded incidents of assault, but 116 had none.”
Continue reading Crime stats highlight station hotspots →