Trojan Bus Deployed to Reduce Antisocial Behaviour

Today, Thursday 30 October, Merseyside Police has announced the launch of Operation Trojan, a proactive initiative aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the lead-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. 

Working in partnership with TravelSafe, the force is deploying plain clothes officers across Merseyside to catch offenders in the act. On normal-looking buses, following their usual routes, plain clothes police officers are planted aboard and additional patrols travel nearby to respond swiftly to any incidents. 

In previous years, buses have been targeted. This year Merseyside Police is working hard with TravelSafe to uphold the partnership’s pledge of making the security and safety of patrons of public transport their highest priority, so that everyone can commute on public transport without fear of experiencing antisocial behaviour.  

Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, tactical operations lead for the Halloween period, said:  “It is outrageous that the ‘fun’ of the individuals committing these crimes can leave whole communities feeling isolated. When drivers and passengers are in danger from things being thrown at them – that’s when we have to act. We won’t tolerate it. That’s why we’re running these Trojan buses.  By deploying our Trojan buses, we’ll be able to look for and catch perpetrators before they get a chance to endanger members of the public. 

“We’re very aware that some of the young people who get caught up in acts of antisocial behaviour at this time of year are, most of the time, good kids who have just made a bad choice. 

“But we have to prioritise the innocent members of our communities. Even though we don’t want to be taking kids into custody, we will if we have to.  

“I would urge parents and carers to be seriously talking to the young people in their lives before they go out at this time of year. What are their plans? Do they know how to walk away from a situation if it’s getting out of hand? Do they know that their choices can have lifelong consequences, for themselves and others?” 

As in previous years, additional patrols will be deployed across key nights, and dispersal zones are planned in areas identified by local policing teams as needing extra attention.  

During this period, Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, is visiting some of the beneficiaries of the latest round of the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES Fund). Launched in May 2024, by the PCC and Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, YES was created to unlock the potential of young people by providing safe, positive opportunities, particularly in areas most affected by violence and cuts to youth services.  

Now in its second year, the scheme has awarded £472,680 to 27 grassroots organisations across Merseyside, funding projects that offer arts, sports, mental health support, and access to skills training. The YES Fund is especially vital during high-risk periods like Halloween and Bonfire Night, when incidents of anti-social behaviour typically rise. By engaging young people in constructive activities during these times, the scheme helps reduce pressure on emergency services, prevent crime, and build safer, more resilient communities. 

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said: “Operation Trojan sends a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities. It’s vital that we take proactive steps to protect the public and prevent harm, especially during times when incidents tend to spike. 

“Tackling ASB is one of my top priorities, and along with our Violence Reduction Partnership, we’re working hard to prevent it before it starts. That’s why we’re investing in our Youth Empowerment Scheme, supporting brilliant grassroots organisations to deliver fun, engaging and supervised activities for young people across Merseyside during the half-term break.  

“From spooky-themed roller-discos and pumpkin carving to fancy-dress face painting, Ninja Warrior-style assault courses, arts and crafts, and a wide range of sporting opportunities, we are supporting a brilliant mix of supervised, engaging activities across the region, helping to keep young people safe and positively occupied, whilst easing pressure on our emergency services. 

“By combining targeted policing with meaningful youth engagement, we’re working to build safer, stronger communities across Merseyside.” 

Members of the public are encouraged to report non-emergency antisocial behaviour via 101 or online, helping to keep 999 lines free for the most serious incidents.