Action on track with 6.5% cut in rail crime.

RAIL crime in South Wales is down by 6.5% on last year, according to the British Transport Police (BTP).

Figures released today show a 38.5% reduction in criminal damage as well as 4.4% fewer passengers reporting stolen property.

BTP chiefs say the reduction is due to the neighbourhood policing team based at Pontypridd and initiatives such as a Valley Line code of conduct.

Sector Commander for Wales, Chief Inspector Sandra England, said: "Crime across the Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr routes has been significantly reduced by our neighbourhood policing team at Pontypridd.

"I am particularly pleased to see a reduction in violent crime and robbery offences.

"The use of our mobile metal arch detectors, proactive operations and high visibility patrols are an effective deterrent to those carrying weapons or intent on committing violent crime."

Wales and Western Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Davies, said BTP would continue to target criminals on the South Wales rail network.

He said: "More and more passengers are using the railway every year but, yet again, we have shown that the railway is becoming an increasingly safer environment.

"However, we fully realise that the public's perception sometimes contradicts the reality so we are fully committed to driving down crime in every category across the area."