Crime on Wales’ railways fell by more than a quarter last financial year, according to latest figures from the British Transport Police.
Between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, there was a 25.4% fall in notifiable crime representing 416 fewer offences recorded.
Figures for 12 crime groups published by British Transport Police show that violent crime fell by 24.7%, while drugs offences were down 27.8% and vandalism (criminal damage) by 44.4%.
Theft also fell, with theft of passengers’ property down 26.5% and theft of railway property down 24.7%.
The UK as a whole saw a fall of 9.1% on Britain’s railways – the eighth successive year crime has gone down.
“This has been a very successful year for BTP and the rail industry,” said BTP’s Sector Commander for Wales, Chief Inspector Sandra England.
“This sustained downward trend in crime is a tribute to the excellent partnerships we have with rail operators, who continue to invest in the security of their customers and staff.
“It also reflects the hard work of BTP staff across Wales at a time when we are demanding more and more from them as budgets decline.
“The Welsh Government is committed to working closely with BTP in Wales by helping to fund additional technology and support us in increasing officer visibility.
“This partnership working is proving to be extremely successful, as is shown by the reduction in overall crime.”
Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, welcomed the figures.
He said: “It’s good news for passengers that the crime rate on Britain’s railways continues to get ever lower.
“Train companies take the safety and security of their passengers and staff extremely seriously which is why they spend millions of pounds installing more helps points at stations, providing funding for British Transport Police and improving CCTV on trains.
“These figures show that this hard work is paying off, but train companies are not complacent and will continue to work with British Transport Police and other industry organisations to ensure that our railways remain as safe as they possibly can be for passengers and staff.”
Crime on the railways over the past five years has fallen by over 30%.