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CCTV footage of a brick being thrown at a passing Bee Network bus has been released as transport bosses warn such behaviour will not be tolerated. The shocking video, which was released by Travel for Greater Manchester, also shows other incidents captured on CCTV, including a brick being thrown at a passing bus at close range and smashing the driver’s window. A separate incident shows a group of youths breaking into and damaging a stationary bus and damaging property at interchanges and stops on the network.
The CCTV has been released as part of a campaign to run over the Easter holiday , a time when youth antisocial behaviour on the public transport network typically increases. The campaign video shows a series of shocking incidents across Greater Manchester. (Image: Travel for Greater Manchester) More than two in five reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour on public transport are youth related, data from TfGM revealed.
The campaign is intended to draw attention to the behaviour which will result in action being taken by the TravelSafe Partnership, while also reassuring all passengers – including young people – about the steps being taken to keep them safe while using the Bee Network. More than two in five reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour on public transport are youth related, data from TfGM revealed. (Image: Travel for Greater Manchester) The TravelSafe Partnership, which is also led by Greater Manchester Police uses a range of tactics to keep the travelling public safe, including proactive patrols, specialist operations on a weekly basis and a comprehensive education and engagement programme.
READ MORE: Bolton police investigation thefts want to talk to this woman Bolton teenager charged with five burglary offences Bolton police investigate jewellery theft from town centre pub Chief Inspector Ronnie Neilson from GMP’s Specialist Operations branch said: “Anti-social behaviour, especially on our transport network, is something we are actively tackling on a daily basis in conjunction with Transport for Greater Manchester. “Our patrols from our dedicated Transport Unit are deployed to key areas across Greater Manchester to protect those using public transport whilst also pursuing offenders who commit crime. Police have increased patrols to crack down on the anti social behaviour.
(Image: Greater Manchester Police) “Those who do take part in offences that cause disruption, damage or deliberate distress will have to answer for their actions which can include criminal prosecution . “If you see our officers on patrol, please approach them with your concerns as we are here to keep to you safe and ensure we can educate and enforce.” Consequences for those caught engaging in criminal offences or antisocial behaviour are also highlighted in the video.
This includes the removal of travel passes, issued fines or being banned from the network entirely. Young people may be unaware that certain actions are classed as antisocial behaviour and could also lead to action being taken against them, such as vaping, throwing things, playing music loudly, activating emergency door handles on trams, and being noisy or abusive in groups. Last month Mayor Andy Burnham announced comprehensive plans for TfGM and Greater Manchester Police to further improve safety and tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, including the creation of an improved TravelSafe LiveChat service by October.
Last month Mayor Andy Burnham announced comprehensive plans for TfGM and Greater Manchester Police to further improve safety and tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, including the creation of an improved TravelSafe LiveChat service by October. (Image: Martini Archive) Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Everyone who travels or works on public transport is entitled to be safe, and feel safe, at all times. “ Public transport is hugely important for so many of our young people in helping them get to school or work , or to socialise with friends, and we know that the majority who travel on our buses and trams do so while respecting other passengers and staff.
“These videos show some shocking incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour committed by a minority who think the rules do not apply to them, but they also lay bare the potentially serious consequences that could affect the everyday lives of those who persistently engage in this kind of activity on our public transport network. “The TravelSafe Partnership’s primary focus is to speak to and educate everyone who uses public transport, but this campaign clearly shows that our hard-working officers will take enforcement action where necessary. I urge every young person to engage with this campaign and think about how their actions could affect themselves and others.
” An increase in staff and proactive operations resulted in 415 tickets and passes being removed by the TravelSafe Partnership in 2024, with 79 people excluded from the network, compared to 80 pass removals and 13 exclusions in 2023..
