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Surveillance cameras on Belgian trains
Railway operator SNCB has equipped some of its new fleet with surveillance cameras in order to curb physical attacks on both staff and passengers, it announced yesterday. More than 300 ‘Desiro’ trains, built by Siemens, have been equipped with the devices. Last year, there were 1,178 reported attacks on SNCB staff, a 4% drop on the previous year (1,230). The new surveillance system was activated on Monday and allows for the entire train to be covered by cameras and, if necessary, for perpetrators of violence or vandalism to be identified. This device, like the presence of Securail agents, is meant to act as a deterrent, SNCB explains, adding that the use of surveillance cameras on trains complies with the privacy laws. The railway operator also wants its next order of trains to come with built-in surveillance cameras.
Comments
And believe me, after all these criminals from Eastern Europe pack up and cause trouble in Belgium, we'll be glad to have some sort of CCTV protections.
CCTV cameras in public spaces can hardly be considered "intrusive" as one is already in a public space and subject other other people's watching. Given that the train drivers seem to go on strike whenever on of their colleagues is attacked, I'm actually happy to see anything done to prevent and punish the lowlifes who perpetrate such acts.