Bus stop vandalism is curbed by CCTV (From This Is Lancashire)

Bus stop vandalism is curbed by CCTV

9:39am Tuesday 18th March 2008

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PEOPLE may be used to catching buses at bus stops, but hidden CCTV cameras at shelters in Bury are helping to catch vandals and reduce anti-social behaviour too.

And the success of the surveillance has been illustrated by new figures for 2007 which show that bus vandalism in the area dropped by almost 20 per cent compared to the previous year.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), Bury Council, Greater Manchester Police and shelter provider JC Decaux launched the CCTV scheme just over a year ago.

Images taken by the bus shelter cameras have led to police intervention including a fixed penalty ticket and interviews for people caught on film vandalising shelters.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE's interim service delivery director, said: "Travelling by bus in Bury is actually very safe but people need to feel safe as while they wait for a bus as well as when they're on it. Shelter damage not only causes a real nuisance for passengers but it gives a poor impression of public transport and the local neighbourhood.

"We are committed to stamping it out and I am glad we are seeing results. We will now work with our partners to see how this initiative can be expanded further.

"Vandals should know that their actions may be recorded, that it simply will not be tolerated and that we will work with the police to pursue offenders. I hope it will make people think twice before carrying out this kind of mindless vandalism."

Bury Council's executive member for safer, stronger communities, Councillor Michelle Wiseman, commented: "When brainless louts vandalise bus shelters it causes significant discomfort and stress for law-abiding residents who just want to get from A to B, to go about their daily lives. It also creates a disgraceful eyesore.

"I'm delighted at the success of this initiative, which the council supported, and pledge to support any initiative designed to weed out those who make life a misery for residents of the borough. If we have to use CCTV to catch them, so be it."

Chief Superintendent Jon Rush, Commander of Bury police division, said: "Vandalism is one of the main things that concern people in Bury and something that the police and our partners are committed to tackling.

"These cameras are the latest weapon against vandalism and they supplement the extensive CCTV systems already in operation, mobile CCTV vans and covert surveillance by police officers and council staff.

"The message to vandals is clear - we and our partners will catch you and will have evidence to ensure you are convicted and appropriately punished.

"Bury is a great place to live, work and visit. Our fight against crime and vandalism is geared to keeping it that way."

Shelters with CCTV have been fitted with up to eight miniature cameras to record what's going on in and around it.

The cameras can be moved from shelter to shelter in order to target hot-spot areas. Notices have been posted on bus shelters informing people that CCTV may be operating.

Anyone who witnesses criminal behaviour at a bus shelter should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

People can report vandalised stops and shelters to GMPTE by calling 0161 244 1720 or emailing busstop@gmpte.gov.uk.

They will be made safe within 48 hours during weekdays.

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