Curbing anti-social behaviour in South Australia is the focus of a major investment in CCTV and the introduction of mobile security patrols to monitor bus and rail networks
Albert Park Train Station is the latest facility to get new high definition CCTV cameras as part of the South Australian Government’s $4 million Station Security and Amenity Upgrades Program.
The improvements are designed to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of passengers who use buses and trains each year, and to encourage higher take-up of public transport with the provision of better security.
South Australian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan says people need to feel safe using the state’s bus and rail networks.
“We are adding to our existing network of more than 1,000 CCTV cameras to combat crime across our public transport services,” he says
“More police and more DPTI safety officers are being backed up by the latest CCTV technology, which enables a rapid response to anti-social behaviour. We have approximately 100 transit police and more than 200 safety officers riding our public transport services. We also have security guards on every train every night and on trams on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
“Last year we also introduced mobile security patrols that monitor bus and rail networks as well as maintaining a presence at major stations and interchanges whilst on patrol.”
Over the past 12 months Public Transport Safety Branch and DPTI Passenger Service Assistants have conducted dozens of special operations targeting fare evasion, graffiti and anti-social behaviour.
With tougher penalties for those who attack bus driver made last year, perpetrators now face up to 25 years’ imprisonment, with rewards of up to $1000 for people who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of offenders.