Hull City Council is teaming with bus operators and other organisations to make sure passengers can use the city’s buses without experiencing antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Partners have come together to focus on prevention and engagement, further cracking down on ASB and crime directed at buses.
The council’s antisocial behaviour officers and Humberside Police personnel are carrying out regular high-visibility foot patrols in hotspot areas, along with on buses during the evening.
The joint operation has been initiated following concerns around young people committing ASB and criminal damage and will help allow officers to identify those involved.
Their parents or carers may end up receiving a visit from partners, who would work with them to improve their understanding of the effects of such behaviour, particularly when it is committed in their own local area.
Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for communities and community safety, Councillor Ted Dolman, said: “We know how important the bus network is to people travelling in our city.
“Everyone should be able to travel on a bus in a safe environment, free from antisocial behaviour and the threat of criminal behaviour.
“We’re working with our partners to provide reassurance to passengers, and working to engage with and educate young people who have targeted buses or may be considering doing so.
“We know that this activity has already led to a big reduction in ASB incidents on buses over the past few years.”
One of the tactics that has been employed is a video, based on real life events, which shows the devastating consequences of hurling a brick through a bus window.
‘Thrown Away’ aims to educate and engage with young people at risk of being drawn into bad bus behaviour.
It has been shown to secondary school and year 6 primary school pupils, as part of a session delivered in partnership with the council’s ASB officers, Humberside Police, and Hull Youth Justice Service.
You can watch the powerful video below.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jamie Campbell from Humberside Police said: “Officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are carrying out regular high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and boarding buses during the evenings to provide reassurance and identify those involved in antisocial behaviour or criminal damage.
“Working alongside Hull City Council and transport partners, we remain proactive in addressing concerns around antisocial behaviour.”
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, which operates services in Hull, said: “We are pleased to be part of this important project.
“Antisocial behaviour impacts both our customers and our colleagues, so we hope that this work will make a real difference and encourage people to think twice before engaging in ASB activity.
“It’s important that our customers can enjoy their journey with us and therefore initiatives like this show how we can work together to create a safe and comfortable environment, through proactive schemes that aim to engage and educate.”
For more information on getting around Hull by bus, visit Buses – Travel Hull.