Edmonds – There have been a number of different muggings and assaults on riders of the Sky Train and the Police report that the number of incidents is on the rise.
The Burnaby RCMP have had reports of up to 10 assaults on riders of the Sky Train system since the beginning of the year, and the incidence of assault is on the increase.
This is alarming and at a much greater rate than was reported last year.
Police are warning all passengers to be wary and alert when boarding and riding the Sky Train.
The Sky Train system was designed as an open system, but it still should have at least one station attendant on duty at every train stop on the line.
The TransLink transit authority has worked to try to improve security by installing a fully digitalized Camera system, which will be fully operational within the next 14 days, system wide.
Police are recommending that the transit authority station more live station attendants at different points along the SkyTrain route, with access to communications to call for help if necessary.
Nearly 21 percent of people who were interviewed one day along the SkyTrain route said they just do not travel after dark or late at night on the SkyTrain because of the danger and personal safety risk.