STOPIT records 1500 notifications against sex offences, crime on public transport in its first year

An Australian-first service allowing commuters to dob in a public transport sex pest or criminal has experienced a bumper first year — leading to several arrests.

STOPIT received more than 1500 notifications in its first year, leading to 13 arrests over threatening and offensive behaviour on public transport.

An Australian-first reporting service aimed at stopping sexual offending and unwanted behaviour on public transport received more than 1500 notifications in its first year.

STOPIT, which allows victims and bystanders to discreetly text the force to report untoward and anti-social behaviour on Metro and V/line trains, has helped arrest 13 people.

Data reveals more than 40 per cent of reports made to the service related to threatening and offensive behaviour including verbal abuse and harassment.

One in five notifications related to unwanted sexual behaviour including catcalling, sexual gestures, non-consensual touching and flashing.

Public transport reporting service STOPIT led to 13 arrests. Picture: David Crosling

Females have made up more than half of all people making STOPIT reports.

Those arrested include:

• A man, 20, who was charged after allegedly performing explicit acts towards five women on a number of train lines between March and August 2022.

• A man, 51, charged with sexual assault after allegedly making inappropriate sexual comments and touching a woman at Southern Cross Station on December 23 last year.

• A man, 24, who was charged after performing allegedly explicit acts and making inappropriate sexual comments towards a woman on a city-bound Werribee line train on November 11, 2022.

• A man, 44, who was charged with two counts of sexual activity directed at another after boarding a train at Clayton train station October 25, 2022.

• A man, 33, charged after two witnesses saw him allegedly perform an explicit act towards a woman on a city-bound Sunbury line train on September 6, 2022.

Inspector Mark Zervaas, of the Victoria Police Transit Safety Division, said STOPIT had helped police make the community more safe.

“Without STOPIT, more than a dozen investigations may have never been solved,” Insp Zervaas said.

“These offenders have now been charged and put through the courts – all thanks to

commuters who have stood up to this type of behaviour.

“We encourage all commuters to save the number in your phone and text STOPIT if

you experience or see unwanted sexual behaviour on the network.

“Your information could be the final piece of the puzzle we need to arrest an offender.”

To use the service commuters should text ‘STOPIT’ to 0499 455 455.