PSNI Attend 15 Incidents During New 'Safe Transport' Scheme

The PSNI have attended a number of drug related incidents on public transport during the first month of an 'innovative initiative' in conjunction with Translink.

The new 'Safe Transport Scheme' was launched in September and to date officers have attended 15 calls for service within bus and train stations. Action has been taken on a range of various drug related issues including two arrests, two community resolution notices and two fixed penalty fines for drugs related offences. Three people have also been reported to the PPS for drug related and motoring offences

The Safe Transport Scheme consists of of a dedicated team of one Sergeant and five Constables working alongside the Translink team.

Welcoming the successful end of the first month of the scheme, Sergeant Ryan Gilpin said: "This six month pilot, working collaboratively with Translink colleagues and Local Neighbourhood Teams is aimed at helping tackle crime and anti-social behaviour at public transport hubs and on-board trains and buses, and provide a visible reassuring presence for members of the public and help keep everyone safe.

"So far we have completed plainclothes operations within Great Victoria Street and Europa Stations and our passive drugs dog PD Acer has accompanied us out on operations also much to everyone's delight!

"We have carried out patrols at Downpatrick and Newtownards bus stations and liaised with NPT's in those areas in relation to anti-social behaviour issues raised by Translink, and we have completed targeted operations on the Glider service in west Belfast in relation to anti-social behaviour and are currently working proactively with NPT and local community representatives in relation to this issue.

"We have also travelled the length of the rail network up to Derry/Londonderry and also the cross border Enterprise to Dublin as far as Newry, and visited every station and unmanned halt along the network."

Sergeant Ryan Gilpin continued: "Public transport customers can play an important role in helping us keep people safe by reporting anything that doesn't feel right. We will continue to travel on the trains and buses ready to listen and act so please come over and speak with us if you witness any suspicious or criminal activity or have any concerns. We welcome all of this information from members of our community because ultimately this helps us keep you safe."

(MH)