Security on Greater Manchester’s transport networks have been strengthened with the addition of 10 new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
The officers joined the ranks of the region’s TravelSafe Partnership (TSP), a multi-agency approach set up to tackle and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour (ASB) on the region’s bus and tram networks.
This is the latest move to enhance the TSP and brings the total of new PCSOs that have joined the unit since the summer to 30, with a further 20 set to join over the coming months.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Beverley Hughes, says: “We promised to prioritise a greater staffing presence on the transport networks, particularly in the evenings and on weekends, and the addition of these extra officers will complement the excellent work already being undertaken to keep the networks as safe as possible.
“The continuing expansion of the team should send out two clear messages: that anybody using Greater Manchester’s transport network should feel safe and secure and that antisocial behaviour will never be tolerated.”
A recent two-week crime crackdown by the partnership – that included covert and overt patrols and operations – resulted in 56 arrests, 494 fines issued, 11 missing people being located, use of specialist police units to deter crime and ASB and recovery of outstanding fines from people previously caught travelling without a ticket.
Elisabeth Tasker, Managing Director at Stagecoach, says: "The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority and while instances of crime and antisocial behaviour on our buses continue to be low these additional officers will support the work of the team to provide a reassuring presence.
“The TravelSafe partnership also ensures we have a joined up approach between all the public transport operators in the region enabling us to benefit from shared intelligence and to target known hotspots."
