Media Centre

Anti-social behaviour breaktrough at Wivenhoe station

10 Jan 2008

National Express Group’s ‘one’ railway’ has seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour at Wivenhoe station after Ipswich-based BTP officers arrested a persistent young offender.

The 17 year old girl from Colchester was first arrested in October after assaulting an officer. She was later arrested for Section 5 public order and breach of bail conditions. The girl was part of a group of youths who regular convened at the station causing trouble for passengers and staff.

British Transport Police officers have been working closely with ‘one’ railway in various ways to reduce Anti-social behaviour at their stations.Recent innovations have included the installation of a ‘mosquito’ device, which lets out a high pitched sound that can only be heard by those under the age of 24, thus acting as a deterrent to people loitering at the station. BTP officers are also undertaking increased patrols at the station.

Police Sergeant Anne Granger, officer in charge at Ipswich station said:

“British Transport Police does not tolerate anti-social behaviour or any other crime on the rail network. Members of the public and rail staff have a right to travel and work in a safe, trouble free environment, and we work closely with ‘one’ railway and home office forces to discourage this type of activity.”

The girl was recently sentenced to a 50 hour community service sentence.

Andrew Goodrum ‘one’ railway’s Business Director for the Mainline route:

‘Providing a safe environment for our passengers and staff is a priority for us. We have been working closely with BTP to this end and are pleased with the latest breakthrough they have made regarding anti-social behaviour at Wivenhoe station. Throughout 2007 our investment and initiatives have continued to improve security, both on-trains and at stations, through the installation of mosquito devices, more CCTV, additional staff and expanded security programmes. Throughout 2008 we will continue to take action to improve safety and security on our trains and at our stations.’

‘one’ railway recently announced a package of security improvements to trains and stations across its network worth over £1 Million.

Notes to editors

For further information about this press release, please ring the ‘one’ Press Office on 0207 549 5966/5965/5964 and ask for Peter Meades, Ellen Rossiter, Jill Casswell or Jonathan Denby. For urgent or out-of-office hours calls, please leave a message by ringing 07623 952612. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

National Express Group PLC is one of the major train operators in the UK with four rail franchises - c2c, Gatwick Express, National Express East Coast, and ‘one’ (including Stansted Express).