TravelSafe clamp down in the wake of Metrolink incidents

The TravelSafe Partnership (TSP) has taken action against youngsters caught misbehaving on the region’s transport networks.

A number of juveniles, aged between nine and 14, have been identified and dealt with via Restorative Justice after they were involved in high profile incidents. 

The first incident, which took place on June 14, saw services on the Rochdale via Oldham line temporarily suspended after rocks were thrown at three passing trams, causing a minor injury to one passenger.

The second incident, which took place on June 30, involved three youths aged 14 and 15, ‘tram surfing’ in the city centre.

They were later identified following CCTV enquiries by police.

Police and transport bosses are now encouraging youngsters to behave and act safely around transport networks over the summer holidays.

The warning comes following the recent launch of the Safe4Summer scheme, a multi-agency scheme to provide young people with enough activities to banish boredom and offer advice about personal safety and social responsibility.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes, said: “Restorative Justice is a method whereby offenders are confronted with the impact of their crime and that can be a powerful deterrent to committing further offences, especially to young people.

“It is really important that every member of our community feels safe to travel on public transport without feeling intimidated or unduly concerned by the behaviour of others.

“The TSP is dedicated to supporting safe and secure travel, and there will be teams of officers patrolling our networks throughout the summer to provide help and assistance as well as working to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.”

The TravelSafe Partnership exists to keep public transport safe across Greater Manchester by offering reassurance to passengers and preventing and dealing with incidents of crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion.

The TSP operates an extensive youth education programme, which includes visits to school and youth groups to educate and inform on the effects of antisocial behaviour on victims.

Throughout June this year, officers attended a series of Crucial Crew events across Oldham allowing them to engage with over 2,000 youths aged 10 and 11.

The scheme is led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) with support from contributing operators KeolisAmey Metrolink, Stagecoach and First Manchester.

Under the TSP, a dedicated team of Police Constables (PCs), Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Special Constables (SCs) and TravelSafe Officers (TSOs) provide regular patrols on the region’s networks.

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