FARE dodgers, yobs and travelling villains were pulled off Bolton’s buses in a crackdown on crime on public transport.

The operation by police and Transport for Greater Manchester, took place in Bury Road, Tonge Moor, and Manchester Road, Bolton, this week.

A total of 62 buses were inspected and eight passengers were taken off the bus for ticket irregularities.

Some were over 16 and travelling on a junior ticket, while some were using a college discount that was not valid on the route. One woman had a forged pass, but told police she bought it from a legitimate source and further inquiries are being made.

Another person was taken away to have their immigration status checked.

A spokesman for Transport for Greater Manchester said: “The reason this is effective in terms of crime reduction is because travelling without a ticket is what’s known as a ‘signal crime’ – in other words, passengers travelling without tickets are sometimes found to be involved in other illegal activity.

“In past gateway checks across Greater Manchester, checks on passengers’ tickets have led to arrests for things like shoplifting, going equipped for burglary and possessing illegal substances.

“Feedback from passengers tells us that the gateway checks also help people feel safer and more confident when travelling on public transport, by providing a highly visible, capable uniformed presence.”

Police also seized an offroad bike during the operation when officers spotted it being pushed along the pavement.

The bike, which will now be crushed, was confiscated because it was not insured.

Sgt John Boyce, from Bolton East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Off-road bikes are a blight on many people’s lives.

“They are dangerous as they are not subject to an MOT test. If someone was injured, they would not be able to claim if they have no insurance. When we can seize them we will.”