Over 1,000 arrests have been made in a major operation to combat antisocial behaviour and pickpocketing on London’s buses.
Funded by Transport for London and enacted by officers from the Met’s Transport Operational Command Unit, Operation Ridgeway saw up to 200 officers carry out “high-visibility patrols” on the bus network.
During the operation officers distributed anti-theft chains to bus passengers and targeted pickpockets and those involved in antisocial behaviour. Revenue Protection staff from TfL also carried out random fare checks on buses.
Welcoming the operation’s success Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This sort of operation has two clear goals. Firstly it makes it exceedingly plain to the pickpockets and badly behaved that they will not be tolerated on our buses.”
“And secondly these patrols provide an important reassurance for the millions of law abiding passengers who should not have to suffer from the mindless behaviour of the few.”
Safer Transport Team Initiative
In a separate initiative, Safer Transport Teams in Barnet, Hillingdon and Harrow have carried out a joint operation to tackle crime and disorder on commonly shared transport routes.
Officers are employing a variety of tactics; drawing on skills and expertise to target known offenders, provide a visible presence and to positively deal with offences apparent.
Sergeant Lee Cannon, Safer Transport Team, Barnet Police, said the joint operation “was an ideal opportunity for us to deploy to an entire length of one part of the transport network, focusing on the underground, buses and transport hubs. Stretching through Mill Hill to Ruislip, the 114 is one of the longest routes around.”
Almost a hundred Police Officers, Revenue Protection staff and PCSO’s took park in the operation which led to 45 penalty fares being issued and 47 passengers being prosecuted.
Sgt Cannon said: “The results really speak for themselves and are a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved”.
