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Attacks on rail staff increasing Attacks on rail staff increasing
(about 1 hour later)
The number of public disorder offences and assaults on railway staff in Wales and west England have increased in the last year, new figures reveal.The number of public disorder offences and assaults on railway staff in Wales and west England have increased in the last year, new figures reveal.
British Transport Police's annual statistics show assaults on railway workers rose by nearly 15% on 2005-06.British Transport Police's annual statistics show assaults on railway workers rose by nearly 15% on 2005-06.
The figures also showed instances of public disorder and criminal damage have risen by around a quarter.The figures also showed instances of public disorder and criminal damage have risen by around a quarter.
However, robberies, fraud offences and violent attacks were down on the previous year.However, robberies, fraud offences and violent attacks were down on the previous year.
British Transport Police concluded the railways were safer in Wales and the west of England in 2006-2007 than ever before, with fewer offences and more convictions. British Transport Police concluded that the railways were safer in Wales and the west of England in 2006-2007 than ever before, with fewer offences and more convictions.
It makes me feel very scared, vulnerable and intimidated Francis Norman, conductorIt makes me feel very scared, vulnerable and intimidated Francis Norman, conductor
The number of violent attacks dropped from 538 to 514. Sexual offences were also down from 39 to 33.The number of violent attacks dropped from 538 to 514. Sexual offences were also down from 39 to 33.
However, there were 315 assaults on members of staff this year - 40 more than the previous 12 monthsHowever, there were 315 assaults on members of staff this year - 40 more than the previous 12 months
Conductor Francis Norman from Cardiff Central Station said staff face abuse on an almost daily basis.Conductor Francis Norman from Cardiff Central Station said staff face abuse on an almost daily basis.
Ms Norman said: "Not a day goes past really without some sort of incident.Ms Norman said: "Not a day goes past really without some sort of incident.
"It makes me feel very scared, vulnerable and intimidated."It makes me feel very scared, vulnerable and intimidated.
"Its not very nice and it can take a long time to get over such an incident... it can be very upsetting."Its not very nice and it can take a long time to get over such an incident... it can be very upsetting.
"I wish something more could be done about it to make our lives a lot better, makes our jobs a bit easier.""I wish something more could be done about it to make our lives a lot better, makes our jobs a bit easier."
The problem of crime on Welsh railways was highlighted in May this year when one train company threatened to withdraw some of its services.The problem of crime on Welsh railways was highlighted in May this year when one train company threatened to withdraw some of its services.
'Left terrified''Left terrified'
Arriva Trains Wales said that instances of crime and disorder had nearly doubled so far that year.Arriva Trains Wales said that instances of crime and disorder had nearly doubled so far that year.
In March, passengers were left stranded after a train was disabled by a gang of youths at Ystrad Rhondda.In March, passengers were left stranded after a train was disabled by a gang of youths at Ystrad Rhondda.
The guard - who had a fire extinguisher let off in his face and a bottle thrown at him - driver and three security guards were left terrified.The guard - who had a fire extinguisher let off in his face and a bottle thrown at him - driver and three security guards were left terrified.
Arriva Trains Wales warned that if unless things improved it would have to cancel some services on the stretch of track between Pontypridd and Treherbert.Arriva Trains Wales warned that if unless things improved it would have to cancel some services on the stretch of track between Pontypridd and Treherbert.