New team targets crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is launching a six-month pilot of a new ‘Safe Transport Team’ to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on trains and buses.
T/Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Roberts said the new team will provide “a visible reassuring presence’ for public.
The PSNI said the pilot builds on a “well-established successful partnership” with the Northern Ireland public transport provider Translink.
Speaking at today’s launch (September 29), Mr Roberts said: “This six-month pilot, will see a dedicated team of officers work collaboratively with Translink colleagues and with local neighbourhood teams to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour at public transport hubs and on-board trains and buses.
“The aim of the scheme is to provide a visible reassuring presence for members of the public and help keep everyone safe.
“Public transport customers can also play an important role in helping us keep people safe by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right and can assist the Safe Transport Team by reporting any suspicious activity.”
Mr Roberts said officers will regularly travel on the trains and buses “ready to listen and act” if anyone witnesses suspicious or criminal activity.
Chris Conway, group chief executive at Translink, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with the PSNI and routinely work closely with them to ensure we provide a safe environment for people to work and travel.
“This new Safe Transport Team trial, which will see officers working alongside the Translink team, travelling across the network to engage with passengers and offer reassurance and guidance is a further significant step in our partnership to help make Northern Ireland’s public transport network even safer.
“We look forward to building on this partnership, giving both passengers and staff further confidence to travel safely, as we play our part in the recovery of Northern Ireland and build back responsibly.”
