Rates of assaults on Transperth network soars to record levels, new figures show

Assaults on Perth’s public transport system have rocketed to record levels. Troubling figures show assaults on trains and buses on the Transperth network soared to a new high of more than 1000 cases in the 12 months to June 30. This is up 35 per cent from 738 in the previous year. The rise has led to the State Government being accused of letting crime and antisocial behaviour “get out of control”. Violent or offensive behaviour grew by 30 per cent on trains, with the Mandurah line recording the highest levels of assaults (113), usage of alcohol and drugs, (218) and stealing (262). The Yanchep line was second. The Perth central and underground stations had a security guard or Perth Transport Authority worker assaulted once a week on average throughout the year. There were 60 cases of assaults against passengers. And things were no better on the buses, with antisocial behaviour up 38 per cent, and theft and vandalism up more than 25 per cent. Alarmingly, 312 passengers were found bringing weapons on board. There was also a 135 per cent rise in graffiti and the number of vehicles hit with rocks or projectiles also rose steeply. “The fact we are seeing such massive increases across PTA services is truly appalling and evidence of how out of control things have become,” Liberal leader Libby Mettam said. “With an exodus of 1000 police officers under the Cook Labor Government, it’s no wonder crime has spiralled.” However, a PTA spokeswoman said an increase in passenger numbers and security were responsible for the dramatic rise in incidents. “With around 20 million more boardings compared to the year before, as well as a larger security presence, more incidents are being captured in real time and reported than ever before,” she said. “There has been an almost 40 per cent increase in the number of CCTV cameras from the previous financial year — from 4812 to 6727 — which has led to more offences being captured. “We have a zero-tolerance approach to violent, offensive, disruptive, or antisocial behaviour on our system, and our more than 400 transit officers have powers similar to police when on PTA property.” The spokeswoman said a further 34 officers would be joining patrols in the coming weeks. “The PTA has started staffing McIver, Claisebrook and Perth Stadium stations seven days a week, resulting in more offences being captured,” she said. More than 1200 train and bus riders were caught using alcohol or drugs, while a further 1500 were smoking on board or at stations, in disregard to other passengers.