Dogs will patrol SE Qld trains

Security dogs will patrol southeast Queensland's rail network as part of the state government's bid to crack down on crime.

Queensland Rail (QR) has employed private security company Securecorp to provide 11 dogs and dog handlers to patrol train stations, carparks and other QR property.

The 24-hour dog patrols started on Monday and are part of QR's annual $45 million program to boost security across the TransLink network.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says the dogs are expected to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour such as damaging property or harassing others.

"I think people who are thinking about playing up ... are much less likely to do that if there is a security dog around," Ms Nolan said.

QR chief executive Paul Scurrah said the dogs won't be used to attack people but instead be an added security presence.

"They are muzzled but they can be unmuzzled if necessary," Mr Scurrah said.

"Predominantly they're there as a presence.

"We train all our security personnel to identify potential anti-social behaviour before it gets out of hand ... and having that extra security presence (dogs) will certainly help."

Ms Nolan said crime rates had remained stable despite rail patronage growing by 26 per cent since 2004.

She said there were 236 assaults on or adjacent to Queensland Rail property in 2008-09.

During this period Queensland Rail carried more than 60 million passengers.

Ten extra officers have also been added to the Queensland Police Service rail squad.

Source http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/dogs-will-patrol-se-qld-trains-20101004-1641z.html