A train operator is bringing in a scheme to detect and deter crime at Cardiff Central railway station, supported by British Transport Police (BTP).
Introduced at some main London stations and at Leeds, the Withdrawal of Implied Permission or ‘WIP’ scheme is aimed at target persistent offenders, such as shoplifters and beggars. Letters will be presented to offenders by officers, and Arriva Trains Wales will revoke their permission to enter the station.
A ‘WIP’ notice is valid for six months and people who enter the station after an order has been issued can be arrested for trespass.
BTP Inspector Mike Edwards said: “Customers, employees and station retailers should be able to go about their business in a safe and welcoming environment. The scheme is an extra tool in our box that is aimed to deter a minority of individuals who persistently commit crime in and around the station. Begging, shoplifting, alcohol-related crime and disorder all provide grounds for the issuing of a ‘WIP order’ revoking the consent of Arriva Trains Wales for an individual to enter the station.”
And Bethan Jelfs, Head of Stations for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “More than 30,000 customers travel through Cardiff Central each weekday and it is a key gateway into the city for commuters and visitors. The safety and security of employees and passengers is a priority for us and initiatives to address incidents such as alcohol fuelled disorder, shoplifting and begging are to be welcomed. If successful, we may consider introducing the scheme at other stations across our network.”
Between August 1, 2013 and August 27, 2014, some 157 offences related to anti-social behaviour were recorded Cardiff Central station. Visit http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.
