Shocking rise in violent crime at stations
Local stations amongst the worst in London
Figures recently released by the Department of Transport show alarming levels of crime at the capital’s mainline and underground stations.
These latest statistics, made available for the first time, show that violent assaults have risen by an shocking 38% over the past five years.
Following the brutal killing of Thomas ap Rhys Pryce at Kensal Green station last month, there have been many calls for proper levels of nighttime staffing at stations and Ann Keen MP last week launched a campaign demanding that rail operator, Silverlink, ensure that there are at least two members of staff on duty at stations throughout the night.
What these latest figures clearly show is that crime at local rail and tube stations is a real concern for commuters with Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Ealing Broadway mainline stations and Hammersmith tube station all making it into the top twenty most crime ridden stations.
A report published in the Evening Standard quotes a Chiswick woman who says “Stations are easy targets. There are signs which tell you to keep your valuables with you but what good are they when you have been selected as the gang’s next victim?”
An employee of SkyTV is also quoted stating “Isleworth is never manned. There is never anyone here and that worries me. The only port of call in an emergency is an information button which is useless if you don’t have enough time to raise the alarm. I wouldn’t dream of standing on that platform alone at night. It’s about time the rail companies gave something back to the passengers.”
Echoing these sentiments, Ann Keen MP said “All rail stations in London should be properly staffed with at least two members of staff during the night.”
She continued “Transport for London have assured me that when they take over certain lines in 2007, stations will be properly staffed at night but I don’t see why we all have to wait that long. Rail companies can well afford to staff stations now and deter violent crime and anti-social behaviour.”
February 16, 2006