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Bus stop yobs caught on camera
Miniature CCTV cameras are helping to win the battle against vandal attacks on bus shelters.
The cameras, mounted in the ceilings of shelters, are helping to catching vandals in the act.
Latest figures show that bus shelter vandalism has dropped by almost 10% across the borough compared to 2006.
Pictures taken by the cameras have led to increasing incidents of police intervention to catch people smashing shelters.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police and shelter provider JC Decaux launched the
CCTV scheme just over a year ago.
Michael Renshaw, Passenger Transport Executive service delivery director said: "Travelling by bus in Wigan is actually very safe but people need to feel safe while they wait for a bus as well as when they are on it.
"Shelter damage not only causes a real nuisance for passengers, it also 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 will not 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."
Coun Keith Cunliffe, Wigan Council's cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said: "We welcome this initiative.
"Damaged bus shelters put people off using public transport as well as annoying local residents. This sends out a clear warning to the idiots that think it's fun to smash up bus shelters – there is no hiding place for you."
Ch Supt Lee Bruckshaw, Divisional Commander for Wigan Police, said: "When we speak to local people we find that youth nuisance and vandalism are among their biggest concerns.
"This mindless damage needs to stop and vandals need to know 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."
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 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.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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