Public transport vandalism, drug use on the rise across Sydney

New transport crime figures reveal the parts of Sydney where more vandals deface public transport, as well as the hot spots where possession or use of drugs is rampant.

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Drugs and vandalism on the public transport network have skyrocketed across NSW with some regions experiencing a fourfold rise in offences over the past year.

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data has revealed the suburbs with the worst-behaved commuters.

Hot spots for problems on buses and trains include the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD, Western Sydney and Sutherland Shire.

However, Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Ryde and the city CBD were the areas most prone to bus vandalism, the data reveals.

The Sydney CBD, Ryde and Western Sydney are among those areas likely to have a high rate of public transport vandalism. Picture: Kylie Else

The Northern Beaches government area jumped from nine to 47 incidents last year, an increase that's four times the number of malicious damage offences in 2018.

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Possession or use of drugs on trains had the sharpest increases in Blacktown, Liverpool and the Sydney CBD.

Opposition Transport spokesman Chris Minns said the new data and emerging crime hot spots on public transport were “concerning,” slamming “selfish” vandals.

“There’s boldness creeping into some offenders that leads them to believe they can get away with civil disobedience in open spaces,” Mr Minns said.

Labor wants more to be done to stop anti-social behaviour on public transport in NSW. Picture: Kylie Else

“The fact (offence numbers) are increasing is a real concern to us … people are becoming brazen about breaking the law.

“You pay the same amount on Western Sydney services as you do in the eastern suburbs, and therefore should expect to be getting a trip free of criminal and anti-social behaviour.”

The rise in bad behaviour has drawn “concern” from the NSW Rail Tram and Bus Union, with secretary Alex Claassens calling for more support for staff.

“These statistics unfortunately come as no surprise to frontline transport workers who bear the brunt of the increase in crime on our public transport networks,” Mr Claassens said.

Originally published as Public transport vandalism, drug use on the rise across Sydney