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TfGM crime crackdown scheme benefits Manchester’s buses and trams

Posted: 4 June 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport

A bus and tram crime crackdown initiative led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has had a significant impact in its first months of implementation. A new unit has been set up under a three-year pilot scheme to tackle and prevent crime and antisocial behaviour on Manchester’s trams and buses. […]

Crime crackdown scheme benefits Manchester’s buses and trams

A bus and tram crime crackdown initiative led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has had a significant impact in its first months of implementation.

 Crime crackdown scheme benefits Manchester’s buses and trams

A new unit has been set up under a three-year pilot scheme to tackle and prevent crime and antisocial behaviour on Manchester’s trams and buses.

A 16 strong team comprising of police constables, police community support officers, special constables and security personnel provide regular patrols on the region’s travel networks. Between its launch on 1 April and 28 May, the Travel Safe Unit provided a presence on 1,652 vehicles and made 23 arrests for a variety of offences.

Crime and antisocial behaviour data from contributing operators Metrolink RATP Dev Ltd (MRDL), First Bus and Stagecoach target specific areas at key times to respond to identified demand.

TfGM states having a dedicated team provides expertise and knowledge that assists in the identification of repeat offenders, while the provision of body-worn cameras, in conjunction with existing public transport CCTV, helps gather evidence for prosecutions.

The scheme also incorporates an educational programme to educate youngsters on the dangers, impacts and consequences of crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion on public transport.

TfGM Metrolink Director, Peter Cushing, commented: “Public transport is a safe way to travel and the purpose of the unit is to help reinforce and maintain that.

“The initiative is allowing regional public transport operators to work in closer collaboration, sharing intelligence and targeting activity, and I think the results so far show that this is a positive approach.”

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare said: “Enabling commuters to travel safely and without fear of crime is a key priority for us all and it is pleasing to see the Travelsafe Unit has already begun to make a difference across the transport infrastructure.

“By working together we can provide a more efficient service to members of the public and send a clear message to offenders that they are not welcome on any of our transport networks.”

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