Post by jackh on Aug 1, 2008 15:04:00 GMT 1
One of the Wright Axcess Flolines which I think is based at Kirkstall now is known as the "Trojan Bus". This bus is kitted out with more CCTV cameras than a normal service bus. What's more, is that the bus goes around with plain clothed police officers. All of this is to catch vandals who brick buses etc.
The bus has been in use for a few months now and is now starting to get results as reported in last night's Yorkshire Evening Post:
Three youths were captured after they attacked the decoy "Trojan bus" which carries police officers as covert passengers and is followed by a separate secret police vehicle.
Now the joint operation between First Bus and West Yorkshire Police is to be repeated regularly.
The new strategy was brought into action in the
Belle Isle and Middleton areas after a marked increase in damage to buses in transit was recorded as part of a similar pattern repeated through out Leeds.
Between January and May this year 34 incidents were reported in the Belle Isle/Middleton ward and in one week in June four incidents were reported in which bus windows were broken, but luckily no one was injured.
The new local neighbourhood policing team inspector, Sue Jenkinson, flagged up the issue and acted before bus passengers and crew were hurt.
The Trojan Bus set-up is kitted out with hidden CCTV cameras with a 360-degree viewing circle along the outside of the vehicle to record any criminal activity while it is in motion.
The plan was put into operation on a Friday when the bus carried decoy passengers from the Rothwell neighbourhood policing team and was trailed by a covert police vehicle.
Three youths were seen to throw stones at the bus on Middleton Ring Road.
The bus was stopped and plain clothes officers detained and arrested the three youths responsible, who are aged between 12 and 15.
One was given a reprimand, one a final warning and the youngest who was watching and egging on his friends, was released with a warning.
All have been referred to the Anti-Social Behaviour team for follow-up action.
Insp Jenkinson said: "The damage caused by youths can result in buses being taken off the road and members of the public who need the service, such as elderly people, becoming fearful of travel.
"I am determined to stamp out the problem and take positive action on those responsible, so giving the community of Belle Isle and Middleton safe reliable public transport."
Anyone who has information on this type or any other offences is urged to telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The bus has been in use for a few months now and is now starting to get results as reported in last night's Yorkshire Evening Post:
said:
A CUNNING ploy to combat the problem of vandal attacks on buses has notched up its first successes in south Leeds.Three youths were captured after they attacked the decoy "Trojan bus" which carries police officers as covert passengers and is followed by a separate secret police vehicle.
Now the joint operation between First Bus and West Yorkshire Police is to be repeated regularly.
The new strategy was brought into action in the
Belle Isle and Middleton areas after a marked increase in damage to buses in transit was recorded as part of a similar pattern repeated through out Leeds.
Between January and May this year 34 incidents were reported in the Belle Isle/Middleton ward and in one week in June four incidents were reported in which bus windows were broken, but luckily no one was injured.
The new local neighbourhood policing team inspector, Sue Jenkinson, flagged up the issue and acted before bus passengers and crew were hurt.
The Trojan Bus set-up is kitted out with hidden CCTV cameras with a 360-degree viewing circle along the outside of the vehicle to record any criminal activity while it is in motion.
The plan was put into operation on a Friday when the bus carried decoy passengers from the Rothwell neighbourhood policing team and was trailed by a covert police vehicle.
Three youths were seen to throw stones at the bus on Middleton Ring Road.
The bus was stopped and plain clothes officers detained and arrested the three youths responsible, who are aged between 12 and 15.
One was given a reprimand, one a final warning and the youngest who was watching and egging on his friends, was released with a warning.
All have been referred to the Anti-Social Behaviour team for follow-up action.
Insp Jenkinson said: "The damage caused by youths can result in buses being taken off the road and members of the public who need the service, such as elderly people, becoming fearful of travel.
"I am determined to stamp out the problem and take positive action on those responsible, so giving the community of Belle Isle and Middleton safe reliable public transport."
Anyone who has information on this type or any other offences is urged to telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.