400 people ejected from stations across Wales in operation to target crime and anti-social behaviour
Figures from British Transport Police (BTP) reveal that more than 400 people were ejected from stations across Wales during the festive season, as part of a joint operation with Transport for Wales to keep passengers safe
Focused mainly on Fridays and Saturdays over the Christmas period, Operation Genesis saw an increase in high-visibility patrols on trains and at stations, as well as covert policing to target issues such as sexual harassment, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related disorder.
BTP said reasons for being refused travel included being too intoxicated, refusing to wear a face covering, and behaving anti-socially.
Forty-four arrests were made as part of the operation, with ten of these for drunk and disorderly offences.
The weekend before Christmas was the busiest period in terms of recorded crime, and Cardiff Central station saw the highest number of arrests during the operation with 22.
BTP said the aim of the operation, which ran between December 1 and January 1, was to prevent crime, as well as provide reassurance and personal safety advice to passengers.
Passengers were also continued to be reminded of the need to wear a face covering when using public transport, unless they had an exemption. More than 5,000 interventions were made and nearly 200 people were directed to leave services for refusing to wear a face covering.
BTP Police Constable Tomos Van Praet said: “The safety of passengers and rail staff is our main priority, which is why we teamed up with Transport for Wales to ensure everyone could enjoy the festive period safely.
“Rail is one of the safest ways to travel – but, we see how alcohol can really affect people’s judgment and after a few drinks people often take greater risks, which can lead to very serious consequences. To prevent any serious incidents, we asked people who were too intoxicated to sober up before coming back to travel.
“We will continue to work closely with our rail industry partners to keep passengers safe in the new year.”
Leyton Powell, Transport for Wales’ safety and sustainability director, added: “We’re immensely grateful for the work of the BTP in helping keep the Wales and Borders rail network safe, and the vast majority of rail passengers for their cooperation over the festive period.
“We’ll be continuing to work collaboratively with BTP in 2022 in order to ensure passengers continue to travel safely, particularly in light of the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. We’re working with BTP to remind passengers that wearing a face covering while on public transport remains the law in England and Wales, unless exempt, and a face covering must also be worn whilst in enclosed stations.”