More has to be done to combat Rhyl rail station crime

Jun 11 2009 by Martin Williams, North Wales Weekly News

PASSENGERS have called for more CCTV cameras on stations across North Wales to crack down on violence on platforms.

Rhyl railway station is the worst in North Wales for crime, according to figures released by British Transport Police (BTP), with 19 arrests in the last 12 months for offences including sexual assault, threats to kill, GBH, assault on a police officer and cannabis possession.

Altogether there have been 108 arrests at Rhyl station in the last five years, compared to just one at Llanfairfechan, five at Abergele and 17 at Flint.

However, the number of arrests on Rhyl station is down since 2006 thanks to the installation of 11 CCTV cameras.

There were 21 arrests at Prestatyn railway station, 28 in Colwyn Bay, 40 at Wrexham General and 43 at Bangor.

Llandudno Junction had 62 arrests, including two incidents of knife crime and luggage theft.

A spokesman for BTP said they are working hard to fight crime.

“There’s been a 29% reduction in notifiable crime on the North Wales network during 2008/09, with 40% of those crimes being detected,” he said.

“The success of reducing and detecting crime has been due to officers being encouraged to make full use of their powers by carrying out pro-active operations, conducting preventative patrols and working in partnership with other stakeholders. The challenge for 2009/10 will be to continue reducing crime.

“The number of arrests by BTP in North Wales reflects the positive stance the police take in combating violence and anti-social behaviour.”

Arriva Cymru security manager Gwilym Bowen said there is no place for crime at North Wales rail stations: “We work closely with BTP and have already installed additional CCTV on many stations and all of our trains.

“While monitoring systems help prevent crime, educating young people about the dangers of trespassing and the consequences of anti-social behaviour is also a key activity that will help create a safer and more welcoming railway.

“It’s encouraging that we are beginning to see a reduction in crime figures and we will continue to work closely with the police to address issues of anti-social behaviour.”

Regular train user Bob Slade, 45, from Abergele said much more needs to be done to improve conditions on North Wales stations for passengers.

He said: “I’m a grown man and even I find it intimidating standing around Llandudno Junction station in the early morning or evening.

“There’s usually a drunk shouting and spitting, gangs of kids who have no reason to be there and if you’re lucky enough to find a seat that’s not broken then it’s probably got chewing gum all over it.

“The railway stations up and down the coast are in a poor state, but to be fair it’s the fault of the people who use the trains, not the train companies.

“They need more of a presence on the stations, not just CCTV. They need something to stop these criminals in the first place.”

Ann Jones AM successfully lobbied for four BTP officers to be relocated from Bangor to Rhyl.

She said: “These figures are disappointing but we have seen a reduction in incidents in the last few years so it seems things are moving in the right direction.

“More needs to be done to make stations safer and I’m committed to working with Arriva Trains and North Wales Police.”