Patrols on buses in antisocial behaviour crackdown

A council says it is launching a tougher crackdown on antisocial behaviour (ASB) on Hull's buses.

Hull City Council officers and Humberside Police will be carrying out regular foot patrols on buses during the evenings and in crime hotspots across the city.

It follows concerns about young people committing ASB and causing criminal damage to buses, the council said.

Councillor Ted Dolman said: "Everyone should be able to travel on a bus in a safe environment, free from antisocial behaviour and the threat of criminal behaviour."

As part of the crackdown, school pupils have been shown a video which demonstrates the consequences of a brick being thrown through a bus window.

The video, based on real life events, was intended to educate young people about the risks of being drawn into bad behaviour on buses, the council said.

The authority said parents or carers of young offenders could receive a visit from officers, who would work with them to help them understand the effects of their behaviour on their local area.

Dolman said these tactics had already led to a big reduction in ASB incidents on buses over the past few years.

Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, which operates services in Hull, said: "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."

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