MP urges tighter security around local stations

5.02.15pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 24th Nov 2003

MP Vincent Cable has urged SW Trains, the Transport Police and the neighbouring police divisions of Richmond and Kingston to do more to counter organised anti-social behaviour by groups of young people from outside the borough, in particular a large contingent who regularly use Hampton Wick station to evade fares and security in Kingston before heading for Kingston clubs. SW Trains chief, Andrew Haines, has told Vincent Cable that the train company is currently looking at the option of security guards in trains, although this is alongside extra transport police patrols.

Vincent Cable said that there have been "some worrying incidents around local stations. In the last six months a small station like Fulwell has had 18 recorded criminal offences and Hampton 25 - activities range from graffiti and trespass to stone throwing and criminal damage. There is

particular worry about Hampton Wick which is being used as a 'back-entrance' to Kingston by gangs who make a nuisance of themselves coming through the town centre. I am told that the gangs are highly organised and use mobile phones to warn their mates whenever security is

spotted. I am concerned that the current response is rather fragmented with two Met police divisions and a separate police force - British Transport Police - needing to co-ordinate tactics with the rail company and Network Rail".

GLA candidate Dee Doocey said that "this is a very serious problem that requires proper co-ordination between the different police forces and the public transport operators. I am surprised that the Mayor has not intervened to pull these threads together and I shall seek action at a London level."