THE NUMBER of crimes committed at Vale of Glamorgan railway stations during the year 2015/16 has been revealed.

The figures came to light following a Freedom of Information Request made by the Vale Conservatives.

Of the 22 recorded offences in the Vale, five were recorded at Eastbrook railway station, three at Cogan, two at Penarth and one at Dinas Powys.

Some of the reported crimes include drunk and disorderly behaviour, assault, cannabis possession and damage to a bicycle.

Andrew RT Davies, South Wales Central AM, said: "The new rail franchise is due to be awarded by Welsh Government and the safety of the travelling public must be at the heart of negotiations over a new contract.”

Superintendent Andy Morgan, on behalf of British Transport Police, said there was no need to be alarmed.

He said: "Although the figures show that the chances of becoming a victim of crime in the Vale of Glamorgan are very low – with just 22 crimes recorded in the region throughout the year - we know the perception doesn’t always match reality and we work tirelessly to make sure that people are not only safe, but feel safe and secure too.

"The safety of the travelling public and rail staff across Wales remains our absolute priority."

Lynne Milligan is the director of Arriva Trains Wales, said that the company takes safety and security "seriously".

She said: “We have consistently worked hard with our colleagues in the BTP to reduce problems and to ensure resources are focused in the right places to continue to make our railway a safe and secure environment.

“All our trains have CCTV which play an enormously important role in crime prevention and detection.

“The individual incidents recorded in these figures seem to indicate instances where crime has spilled onto the rail network from elsewhere and we are keen to help play our part in continuing to reduce those incidents.

“You can now text the BTP discreetly on 61016 to let them know of any incidents you witness on the rail network.”