Plaid call for immediate action over Rail Crime figures…

According to recent statistics published by British Transport Police, over 1,700 crimes have been committed on Railway Stations and trains in the past year alone. Llanelli Railway Station ranked 9th out of the 181 overall stations in Wales for recorded crime.

Sean Rees, Plaid Llanelli Communications Officer and Glanymor resident said:

“In these times of austerity and rising fuel costs, more people are now using the alternative route of public transport and they should have the right to feel safe and secure when making their journeys.”

“I was particularly alarmed to discover that of the 35 recorded incidents that have taken place in Llanelli, the majority were Anti-Social behaviour and drug-related crime. This is yet another example that focus must be applied in tackling and reducing crime within our communities.”

“I praise the continued efforts currently being undertaken by the police in tackling such problems through the ‘Safer Llanelli Initiative’. I believe it is a necessity however to have additional policing resources to patrol our communities and if necessary on our platforms in order to tackle the small minority who continue to victimise passengers. Unfortunately many incidents also go unnoticed as a result of not being reported, therefore I urge passengers to report any reckless behaviour to British Transport Police in order for the culprits responsible to be brought to justice.”

“The developments made for our rail services in recent years are to be welcomed through more help points and improved CCTV on platforms but research continues to show that in those areas of Wales where deployed officers have been used on station platforms, the crime rate has decreased substantially resulting in passengers having an overall better experience when using the public transport network”.

Plaid Cymru Mid and West AM, Simon Thomas added:

“As a regular user of Llanelli Railway station and trains in general I want to feel safe using the Welsh rail network whichever station I get on. I have tabled a written question to the Transport Minister seeking assurances about community safety at Llanelli railway station. One way to ensure improved safety is making the railway station a hub for that part of town so more people use the station not just for catching the train – something a report has suggested.”