Finn claims station security off the rails

By Alesha Capone

Western metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has called for a “crime blitz” at Williams Landing train station, to help prevent bicycles being stolen from the station’s Parkiteer bicycle storage cage.

During a speech in Parliament last month Mr Finn, who rides his bike to the station every day, said a constituent had written to him after her brother’s bicycle was stolen from the station during daylight hours.

The Williams Landing Parkiteer cage, which has capacity for 47 bikes, can be unlocked by anyone with an access card. Bicycle Network gives access cards to cyclists who apply for a pass.

Mr Finn said the minister for public transport, Public Transport Victoria and police should organise “a blitz on crime at Williams Landing station” to prevent theft and vandalism of bicycles.

A Public Transport Victoria spokesperson said there was CCTV installed at the station and cameras had also been installed inside the bike cage.

The spokesperson said there were more than 100 Parkiteer cages across the Melbourne train network.

The Bicycle Network recommends riders use a D-lock to secure their bikes and also advises riders to remove any valuable items, such as lights and trip computers from their bikes.