Article: Commuter attacks soar in Victoria

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Commuter attacks soar in Victoria

Commuter attacks soar in Victoria
Article from: Herald Sun

Ashley Gardiner

September 09, 2009 12:00am

ALMOST twice as many commuters are robbed on public transport compared with five years ago.

An analysis of crime statistics has smashed claims that travelling has become safer for commuters.

Violent crimes have soared, including assault (up 22 per cent) and robbery (up 87 per cent).

Over the same time, weapons offences have also risen (up 78 per cent) as have property damage crimes (up 70 per cent).

The overall public transport crime rate has not budged between 2004 and 2009.

After falling by 14 per cent over two years, it has risen again to 2004 levels.

A 66 per cent drop in minor crimes listed as "other offences" helped keep the 2009 overall rate from soaring further.

A police spokeswoman said these offences included drunkenness, graffiti, feet on seats, offensive behaviour and indecent language.

The fall in these incidents does not necessarily mean they have become less common, but could mean police are not prosecuting these less serious offences.

The State Government last month declared public transport had been made safer.

It published graphs based

on crimes "per million trips" which showed significant declines in crime.

But the significant increase in public transport use means the rate of crime would decline even when there has been a significant jump in offences.

Opposition spokesman on transport Terry Mulder said the Government had distorted the truth.

"The figures speak for themselves. Serious crimes, assaults, bashings, have gone up at an enormous rate," Mr Mulder said.

"(Public Transport Minister) Lynne Kosky and (Police Minister) Bob Cameron have concocted this formula to try and hoodwink the public.

"It's a disgraceful distortion of the truth.

"What has happened on the streets is also reflected on the public transport network. Violent crime is out of control."

New train operator Metro said a safe and comfortable environment for passengers was one of its top priorities.

"Metro has committed to reducing crime on trains by 10 per cent in the first year of operation," spokeswoman Leah Waymark said.

"Among the first initiatives which are designed to improve customer safety are more station-based employees, increased platform and car park lighting plus greater coverage by CCTV cameras."