Police Help London Buses Run Smoothly

Crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour

Police have launched "Operation SafeBus" aiming to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour on the capital's buses so Londoners can travel safely during Bonfire Night festivities.

There will be targeted, enhanced, patrols on buses and transport hubs this autumn as part of the operation, which forms part of the Met's wider crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour at this time of year.

The enhanced patrols will run until Sunday November 6, with a specific focus on Bonfire Night, which has historically seen a seasonal peak in crime and anti-social behaviour affecting the bus network.

As well as being supported by other Safer Transport Command Teams, officers will be working  with TfL's Revenue Protection Inspectors to help ensure young people are adhering to the TfL Behaviour Code for free travel on buses.

During the operation, Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers will:

  • Engage with young people and local communities
  • Undertake high visibility patrols on buses and conduct after school patrols at bus stops and hubs
  • Reassure the travelling public
  • Identify and deal with suspects of bus related crime and antisocial behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, Safer Transport Command said: "The Safer Transport Command, in partnership with Transport for London is dedicated to keeping the bus network a safe environment for all.

"Through this phase of SafeBus 3 will be providing a reassuring presence for all passengers and tackling any bus related crime and anti-social behaviour that we encounter and will leave no stone unturned in bringing offenders to justice through total policing.  

"Our message is clear: if you commit crime on the transport network we will identify you and arrest you.

"We want the travelling public to feel safe and secure when using the transport network, and our visible policing presence inspires confidence, reduces crime and the fear of crime across London’s bus network, and makes a positive impact to peoples' journeys."

November 1, 2011