By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
IN the latest wave of Melbourne-wide deployments, Protective Services Officers started nightly patrols at Hallam railway station on Tuesday.
South-eastern metropolitan region MP Inga Peulich, who was at the Tuesday launch, said the patrols of station platforms, car park and surrounds would improve commuter safety.
“PSOs will help to prevent anti-social behaviour, property damage, violence and alcohol and transport-related crime at Hallam Station and the surrounds,” Ms Peulich said.
She said an independent survey showed commuters felt safer in the presence of PSOs, prompting the government to add 96 officers on top of its 940-officer, 212-metro station commitment.
Currently 887 PSOs patrol 146 stations, according to the government.
They have issued more than 29,000 infringement notices for offences such as being drunk, disorderly behaviour, carrying weapons and graffiti.
“Night-time train users gave PSOs almost universal approval with 94 per cent agreeing that PSOs are a good idea and 93 per cent stating that they would seek their help if they felt unsafe,” Ms Peulich said.
Liberal state candidates Amanda Stapledon and Susan Serey, both current Casey councillors, were also at the launch.
Cr Stapledon, running for the Narre Warren North seat, said the greater sense of security would make people more confident using public transport.
Cr Serey, a Narre Warren South candidate, said station users including Hampton Park residents would feel safer.
