CCTV helps fight bus shelter crime

1:01pm Thursday 13th March 2008

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People may be used to catching buses at bus stops, but CCTV cameras at shelters in Bolton are helping to catch vandals and reduce antisocial behaviour too.

GMPTE, Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Police and shelter provider JC Decaux launched the CCTV scheme just over a year ago.

Now, figures for 2007 show that bus shelter vandalism in the area dropped by almost 20 per cent compared to 2006.

Images taken by the bus shelter cameras have led to police intervention including arrests and reprimands for people caught on film vandalising shelters.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE's Interim Service Delivery Director: "Travelling by bus in Bolton 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 it simply won't 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."

Councillor Margaret Clare said: "The CCTV scheme demonstrates what can be achieved when pooling our resources with partners. In Bolton we're extremely keen to encourage the use of public transport and in order to do that we need to make people feel safe, so it's nice to see that this scheme is achieving results."

Chief Superintendent Dave Lea, Commander of Bolton police said: "When discussing community safety with local people we find that youth nuisance and vandalism are the things that give them most concern.

"I would remind vandals that as well as these new cameras many shelters are covered by existing CCTV systems, mobile CCTV vans and covert surveillance by police and Council officers.

"It's very simple - the police, the Council, the Passenger Transport Executive, local communities and transport companies are all working to stop you. Be warned - commit acts of vandalism and you will be caught and punished.

"Bolton police and our partners are committed to making Bolton a place where everyone can go about their legitimate business in safety and free from the fear of crime."

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.