Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), local councils, Greater Manchester Police and shelter provider JC Decaux launched CCTV cameras at shelters in Greater Manchester just over a year ago.
Figures for 2007 show that bus shelter vandalism in the region dropped by almost 20 per cent compared to 2006. Images taken by the bus shelter cameras have led to police intervention including final warnings, fixed penalty tickets and arrests being made for people caught on film vandalising shelters.
What they say
Michael Renshaw, GMPTE’s Interim Service Delivery Director: "Travelling by bus in Greater Manchester is actually very safe but people need to feel safe as well – while they wait for a bus as well as when they’re on it. Shelter damage not only causes a real nuisance for passengers – 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 we will work with the police to pursue offenders and that it simply won’t be tolerated. I hope it will make people think twice before carrying out this kind of mindless vandalism."
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "In addition to causing inconvenience to passengers, damage to bus shelters affects the quality of life of all members of our communities, by increasing the fear and perception of crime and anti-social behaviour. Greater Manchester Police takes seriously all crimes that impact in such a way on our communities and we are delighted to be working closely with our partners in this initiative which has already seen some outstanding results."
Shelters with CCTV have been fitted with up to eight miniature cameras to record what is going on in and around it. The cameras can be moved from shelter to shelter, 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 [email protected] They will be made safe within 48 hours during weekdays.
