Updated: Officers patrol buses to prevent anti-social behaviour

**UPDATE MONDAY 4 APRIL**

Five teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following a number incidents on buses in Liverpool.

Three males aged 13 years, 14 years and 15 years from Huyton, a 14-year-old female from Huyton and 15-year-old female from Halewood have all been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a bus. 

Three of the group have also been arrested for a second criminal damage to a bus. All five suspects remain in police custody.

On Friday 1 April, officers held a day of action in response to reports of more than 18 incidents on the transport network in the past several weeks where a reported £100,000 damage has been caused to Arriva buses. Windows were kicked out or smashed, seats destroyed and burnt, and a passenger reportedly assaulted.

The day of action involved officers patrolling bus routes, a mobile police station was located at Huyton bus terminal so members of the public could pop in and have a chat and raise any concerns they may have. Land searches were also carried out where offenders are believed to have stored implements used to cause the damage.

The majority of incidents have taken place on the 10b bus route, with some incidents on the 14, 15 and 7 buses.

Such devastation had resulted in Arriva suspending some bus services of the number 10b from travelling to Huyton, however a full service has now resumed.

Merseyside Police is working with Arriva, Merseytravel and Knowsley Council to tackle the issue, and has visited schools in the area.

 

***ORIGINAL ON FRIDAY 1 APRIL***

Officers have patrolled buses today (Friday 1 April) during a day of action to keep passengers and bus drivers safe after a reported £100,000 worth of damage was caused to buses.

This morning’s activities began with officers and PCSOs patrolling bus routes and bus stops between Liverpool city centre and Huyton to provide a high visibility presence to deter anti-social behaviour and criminal damage being committed. Patrols will continue into the evening.

In addition, a mobile police station is at Huyton bus terminal so members of the public can pop in and have a chat and raise any concerns they may have. Land searches have also taken place where offenders are believed to have stored implements used to cause the damage.

The day of action is in response to reports of more than 18 incidents on the transport network in the past several weeks where severe damage has been caused to Arriva buses. Windows have been kicked out or smashed, seats destroyed and burnt, and a passenger reportedly assaulted.

The majority of incidents have taken place on the 10b bus route, with some incidents on the 14, 15 and 7 buses.

Such devastation has resulted in Arriva suspending some bus services from travelling to Huyton, which directly impacts passengers who rely on the service to go about their daily business.

Some of the suspects, who are believed to be aged between 13 and 16 years old, have been identified and are in the process of being dealt with – but police are appealing for information on others responsible.

Merseyside Police is working with Arriva, Merseytravel and Knowsley Council to tackle the issue, and has visited schools in the area.

Sgt Naomi Turner said: “We hope this day of action sends a strong and clear message to the small minority of young people that this anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

“In just a few weeks, the criminal damage has racked up an estimated £100,000 worth of damage to buses. This affects the whole community, with buses being taken off schedules due to the extensive repairs needed and bus routes shortened to avoid areas where the buses have been targeted most.  

“These incidents have also caused immense distress to bus drivers and other passengers who have felt intimated by their mindless actions.

“Anti-social behaviour blights our communities, and those committing these offences can quickly escalate into more serious criminality.

“We have identified some of those involved and are seeking to prosecute them, as well as speak to parents to inform them what their child has been up to. The damage they have caused has a devasting impact on the whole community, especially those who rely on the buses.”

Police are working partner agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified with appropriate action being taken.

Sgt Turner added: "I would like to appeal to members of the public who know of those responsible or have information which will help with our continuing enquiries to please contact us.

“I hope today’s activities provides reassurance to bus drivers and passengers that we will not tolerate take such behaviour of causing destruction to our public transport.

“Our high visibility presence in the area along with enforcing dispersal notices have helped prevent such behaviour from taking place.

“We are working with our partners at Arriva, Merseytravel and Knowsley Council to reassure the public and the staff affected, and we will remain united in tackling this problem together.”

If you have any information that will assist us, please get in contact at https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

 

Here is video of Sgt Naomi Turner talking about the Day of Action https://youtu.be/OZ70iOu29_0