A “DANGEROUSLY out of control dog” was one of the crimes reported at Barry’s railway stations during the year 2015/16.

Figures - which detail crimes committed at railway stations in the Vale of Glamorgan - came as a result of a Freedom of Information Request made by Dyfan ward Conservative candidates Vincent Bailey and Leighton Rowlands.

There were a total of 22 crimes recorded across the 12 month period at railway stations in Barry.

Some of the reported crimes include cannabis possession, a dog "dangerously" out of control, thefts, harassment of rail staff and threats of violence.

Vincent Bailey said: “More work needs to be done by Arriva Trains Wales and the British Transport Police to ensure that train stations are the safe and inviting spaces that passengers expect.

“Residents across the Vale, will be alarmed at the number of violent crimes at train stations over the year.”

Andrew RT Davies, Vale-based Welsh Conservative leader and South Wales Central AM, added: “The new rail franchise is due to be awarded by the 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, 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.”