Police launch surprise raids on Brisbane train stations to curb violence

An epidemic of drunken behavior on Brisbane’s rail lines has forced police to launch secret night-time raids on train stations to curb dangerous behavior.

9NEWS has obtained shocking vision of people putting their lives at risk, with incidents ranging from assaults to falling on rail lines.

Teens and young men are the main culprits, in some cases even bringing pub fights onto the platform.

One piece of footage shows a man trying to escape his attacker by running across the tracks – missing an oncoming train by metres.

Craig Smith of Queensland Police said it was simply “violent behavior by people who are intoxicated”.

Andrew Brock from Queensland Rail said these incidents could easily end in serious injury or death.

There are more than 8500 cameras which help police capture, charge and prosecute people who commit crimes on the rail network – and police have other methods available.

Crime is down on the railways, thanks to joint security operations involving specialised railway squads and Queensland Rail.

More than 335 operations were conducted last year with police launching secret night raids on stations, targeting fare evasion, graffiti and violence.

However, of most concern to police is the use of social media to organize house parties.

Once the parties are shut down, dozens of drunk teens spill out onto the trains – bringing alcohol with them.

It is a dangerous combination which could easily end in tragedy.