Police to patrol buses to deter attacks and antisocial behaviour
DON’T DO IT: A still from the new video Thrown Away
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Police are to conduct evening patrols on buses in a bid to crack down on crime and antisocial behaviour.
Humberside Police is working with Hull City Council and bus operators focusing on prevention and engagement, with council officers also joining police on high-visibilty patrols in known hotspots.
The initiative comes with the release of a hard-hitting video showing the consequences of attacks on buses, which have involved throwing missiles including bricks.
The council says the joint operation has been initiated following concerns around young people committing antisocial behaviour and criminal damage and will help allow officers to identify those involved.
Parents or carers of those involved may receive a visit from partners.
Councillor Ted Dolman, the council’s portfolio holder for communities and community safety, said: “We know how important the bus network is to people travelling in our city.
“Everyone should be able to travel on a bus in a safe environment, free from antisocial behaviour (ASB) and the threat of criminal behaviour.
“We’re working with our partners to provide reassurance to passengers, and working to engage with and educate young people who have targeted buses or may be considering doing so.
“We know that this activity has already led to a big reduction in ASB incidents on buses over the past few years.”
The video, called Thrown Away, is based on real life events and shows the devastating consequences of hurling a brick through a bus window.
NEW INITIATIVE: Buses at Paragon Interchange
It has been shown to secondary school and year 6 primary school pupils as part of a session delivered in partnership with the council’s ASB officers, Humberside Police, and Hull Youth Justice Service.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jamie Campbell said: “Officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are carrying out regular high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and boarding buses during the evenings to provide reassurance and identify those involved in antisocial behaviour or criminal damage.
“Working alongside Hull City Council and transport partners, we remain proactive in addressing concerns around antisocial behaviour.”
Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, which operates services in Hull, said: “We are pleased to be part of this important project.
“Antisocial behaviour impacts both our customers and our colleagues, so we hope that this work will make a real difference and encourage people to think twice before engaging in ASB activity.
“It’s important that our customers can enjoy their journey with us and therefore initiatives like this show how we can work together to create a safe and comfortable environment, through proactive schemes that aim to engage and educate.”