As police aim to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime on local bus routes
An intensive two-week operation to deter youth anti-social behaviour and general crime and disorder on London's buses was launched this week to coincide with the start of school term.
The initiative, Goldfinger 2, is taking place across the capital involving officers from the whole of Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) out on London's buses, to provide increased public reassurance; and to focus on young people involved in anti-social behaviour, theft, robbery and criminal damage.
Extra Police Officers and Traffic Police Community Support Officers, funded by Transport for London, as well as Safer Transport Teams and Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will be deployed during daytime and early evenings across the bus network in 20 boroughs including Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow.
Transport for London Revenue Protection Officers are supporting Goldfinger 2 by carrying out numerous static and mobile inspections to check for fare evasion and ensure passengers have paid the correct fare for their journey. Penalty fares and notices of potential prosecution will be issued on the spot.
The TOCU has 1300 staff committed to fighting crime on bus routes; tackling illegal taxi-touts; and assisting the control of traffic congestion.
It works in partnership with Transport for London with whom it has a special service agreement.
Superintendent David Wildbore, Transport Operational Command Unit said, "The Transport Operational Command Unit patrols and operations play an important role in helping to make public transport and London safer.
"Anti-social behaviour creates an intimidating atmosphere for passengers and increases the fear of crime. Operation Goldfinger 2 is about continuing to reduce this anti-social behaviour, and increasing public safety and confidence."
A spokesperson for London's Transport Policing Enforcement Directorate said, "Transport for London is determined to tackle the small minority of young people who behave anti-socially on the public transport system. Jointly led initiatives such as Operation Goldfinger are aimed at stopping this minority from disrupting other passengers' journeys. We want everyone to enjoy travelling on our buses."
Similar initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour on busy bus routes, particularly around Halloween and Bonfire night, will be left in place at the conclusion of Operation Goldfinger 2.
September 11, 2007
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