A CRACKDOWN on crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport is being carried out over the next two weeks.

The Greater Manchester Travelsafe Partnership has launched the initiative and will see police and Travelsafe officers using a range of tactics to keep people safe on the region’s bus and tram networks.

Officers will be carrying out operations at Bolton’s new transport interchange during the crackdown.

Activities will include both covert and high visibility officers on board public transport, as well as being deployed on the platforms and bus stations to deter and tackle criminality.

The team will also execute warrants issued by court enforcement officials to retrieve unpaid fines.

Chief Inspector Tariq Butt, who leads the partnership for Greater Manchester Police said: “This operation shows our commitment to keeping people safe while using public transport across Greater Manchester. As well as working across the whole network, we will be using a drone to deter antisocial behaviour in Rochdale, and using the presence on public transport to support vulnerable people, such as those who are missing from home or at risk of criminal exploitation.

“We want this initiative to act as a message to our communities, commuters and those people committing crime and antisocial behaviour - we are taking the issue seriously and will see that justice is served against those offenders causing misery across the travel network.”

The unit is split by four areas to cover the whole city region. By doing this the team are able to familiarise themselves with the areas they serve and work alongside other partners to get to tackle broader issues associated with antisocial behaviour in those areas.

The partnership is made up of Travelsafe officers, PCSOs and police officers who are all dedicated to patrolling the transport network including buses and trams.

The multiagency approach is designed to tackle and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

It uses anti-social behaviour and crime data alongside intelligence from operators to allocate dedicated resources in areas where they are most needed.

Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Beverley Hughes said: “Public safety is our top priority and that is why we are stepping up our patrols to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour on our travel network.

“Already this year I have provided extra funding to the Chief Constable for 50 additional PCSOs for the public transport network. We are committed to creating an environment in Greater Manchester where crime and anti-social behaviour is not tolerated.”

She added the initiative will give officers the chance to reassure the people of Greater Manchester.