Pickpockets, vandals on Luas prompt extra security

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...867938518.html

Pickpockets, vandals on Luas prompt extra security
OLIVIA KELLY

EXTRA SECURITY staff have been deployed on Dublin’s two Luas lines in recent months because of an increase in crime and disorderly behaviour, including pickpocketing, vandalism and begging.

Veolia, the company which operates Luas, has told Dublin City Council’s transport committee that the Red and Green lines have developed their own distinct problems.

Between five and 10 incidents of pickpocketing are reported each day on the Red line, which runs from Connolly station to Tallaght. These crimes are concentrated at Heuston station, and the stretch of line between Heuston and Connolly, which runs through the north of the city centre.

The Heuston to the Red Cow Roundabout section of the line has the greatest problem, with youths engaged in anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, pulling the emergency cord, and intimidating passengers.

A significant problem with drug addicts and alcoholics begging and otherwise creating a nuisance at the stops between Heuston and Connolly has also emerged, Veolia’s liaison officer Dan Quill said.

“On the Red line between Connolly and Heuston, we have problems with begging, and other problems with people who are dependent on alcohol and drugs. We have had full-time security since November on the Jervis Street and Abbey Street stops.”

Additional security staff have been placed on the Red line trams at night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Mr Quill said

“The problem there is youths misbehaving – drinking, pulling the emergency cords, swinging off the bars . . . The security staff on the trams also get off at each stop they see anyone begging or loitering and ask them to leave the stop.”

However, despite the extra security, the incidence of pickpocketing remains high, Mr Quill said.

“Pickpocketing has been a problem, a very serious problem, and it still continues. There are about five to 10 incidents every day and I am aware of nine people who have been arrested and brought before the courts. One of them had 16 incidents before he was dealt with by the courts.”

While begging was a problem at the St Stephen’s Green terminus of the Green line to Sandyford, there was less criminal activity on this line. “Problems do not manifest themselves as often on the Green line as the Red,” Mr Quill said.

Extra security had been placed on the Green line trams on weekend nights, largely to deal with “disorderly youths” going to and from nightclubs in Harcourt Street, he said. However, the problems there were more related to traffic hazards.

“There is significant disruption of the tram line between Harcourt Street and St Stephen’s Green, at various times, not just at night. You have cyclists going the wrong way down the tram line on Harcourt Street, pedal cars and rickshaws, usually very poorly lit, travelling on the line in both directions, and taxis stopping on the line.”

Veolia had help from the Garda with these problems, but a strong security presence on the trams would be necessary for the foreseeable future, Mr Quill said.