By Kim Hyun-bin
The government has vowed to take tougher actions against crimes committed onboard trains, particularly those against crews.
“Violence and threats have drastically increased,” the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said. “One hundred twenty cases have been forwarded for prosecution since last year, an increase of 36.4 percent from the previous year.
Since last year, a zero-tolerance strategy has been enforced against crimes on trains and against their workers, the ministry said.
The imprisonment rate for those who threaten railway safety has also increased by 6.7 percent.
Eleven cases (14.7 percent) were subject to confinement in 2017, up 6.7 percent compared to 2016, which accounted for six cases (eight percent).
Fines were levied in 84 cases which hindered the operation of trains including trespassing.
Four cases are currently under investigation for defacing trains with graffiti and destruction of property.
Worker negligence also accounted for 21 cases, which includes train collisions and railway accidents attributed to negligence.
Out of 51 deaths, 33 (64.7 percent) were considered suicides, according to the ministry.
“We plan to enhance railway safety,” the ministry said. “We will do all we can to prevent accidents.”
More frequent policing will be enforced onboard trains in efforts to reduce crimes as well as increased surveillance for trespassers.
The ministry is seeking to enhance surveillance to fight hidden camera crimes and plans to increase promotional activities that aim to educate citizens to better deal with suspicious activities.