More than 1500 offences have been reported at Wyndham train stations and train station carparks in the past five years, with the bulk of crimes happening at Werribee.
Crime Statistics Agency data revealed a total of 603 offences were reported in and around Werribee train station, including 270 instances of theft and property damage, 157 public order and security offences and 63 assaults between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017.
There was also 397 offences reported at Hoppers Crossing train station and the station carpark, 265 offences at Williams Landing, 173 at Tarneit and 129 at Wyndham Vale. Theft, property damage and public order and security offences were the most common crimes reported for each station.
Meanwhile, Wyndham police have cautioned commuters to keep anything of value hidden from view and, be alert in and around train stations and bus stops, and have one ear free at all times when using headphones following a slight increase in mobile phones and bicycles thefts from transport hubs.
Acting Senior Sergeant Jason Forster told Star Weekly that in particular, there had been an increase in mobile phone thefts at bus stops around Point Cook, and bike thefts from Williams Landing train station. Offenders are running off with phones after asking victims if they can borrow it to make a call.
“We haven’t seen a large number of phone thefts, but it is one of the areas that Victoria Police wish to impact on,” Acting Senior Sergeant Forster said.
“For that to occur we need to work with our community ensuring they be aware of their surroundings and contact triple-0 to report any suspicious behaviour.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Forster also called on cyclists to use a sturdy lock when leaving bikes at train stations.
