Rhyl station worst for crime

Jun 10 2009 by Martin Williams, Denbigh Visitor

Rhyl station worst for crime

RHYL railway station is the worst in North Wales for crime.

According to figures released by the British Transport Police the station has seen 19 arrests in the last 12 months for a multitude of offences, including sexual assault, threats to kill and an assault on a police officer.

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, where there were two incidents involving firearm possession.

However, the number of arrests on Rhyl station is down from 21 in 2007/8, and 29 in 2006/7, thanks to the installation of 11 CCTV cameras and relocation of four BTP officers from Bangor.

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

A spokesman for the BTP said they are working hard to fight crime at coastal stations.

“There has been a 29% reduction in notifiable crime on the North Wales rail network during 2008/2009, with 40% of those crimes being detected,” he said.

“The number of arrests by British Transport Police in North Wales, including Rhyl, reflects the positive stance the police will take in combating violence and anti-social behaviour.”

Arriva Cymru security manager, Gwilym Bowen, said there is no place for crime at railway stations.

He said: “We work closely with British Transport Police to this aim and have already installed additional CCTV on many stations and all of our trains.”

The improvements at Rhyl have been applauded by Denbighshire politicians, but they are keen to see crime eradicated altogether on its platforms.

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane said: “There was a long history of neglect at Rhyl station until new measures were introduced a few years ago and these figures show that the coordinated crackdown between British Transport Police, North Wales Police, PCSOs and Arriva staff is paying dividends.”

Ann Jones AM added: “These figures are disappointing but we have seen a reduction in incidents in the last few years.

“It is clear more needs to be done to make the station safer and I am committed to working with Arriva Trains and North Wales Police.”