TravelSafe target misbehaving teenagers

Travelsafe officers on trams and buses

The TravelSafe Partnership (TSP) has taken action against youngsters caught misbehaving on the region’s transport networks.

A number of juveniles, aged between nine and 14, have been identified and dealt with via restorative justice after they were involved in high profile incidents. 

The first incident, which took place on 14 June, saw services on the Rochdale via Oldham line temporarily suspended after rocks were thrown at three passing trams, causing a minor injury to one passenger.

The second incident, which took place on 30 June, involved three youths aged 14 and 15, ‘tram surfing’ in the city centre. They were later identified following CCTV enquiries by police.

Police and transport bosses are now encouraging youngsters to behave and act safely around transport networks over the summer holidays.

The warning comes following the recent launch of the Safe4Summer scheme, a multi-agency scheme to provide young people with enough activities to banish boredom and offer advice about personal safety and social responsibility.

Chief Superintendent Neil Evans said: “Public transport is a safe way to travel and the purpose of the TravelSafe Partnership is to help reinforce and maintain that safety.

“Thankfully nobody was seriously hurt in the incidents that took place earlier on this year, but this could easily have been a very different story with devastating consequences. The use of restorative justice is an example of how we can assist children and young people in seeing the error of their ways and potentially prevent any further involvement with criminal activities. 

“The ages of these young people demonstrates my previous message that countering this behaviour is a responsibility far wider than the police and parents have a key role and responsibility.  I reiterate that message again today. 

“Under the partnership, a dedicated team of officers will provide regular patrols on the region’s networks during the summer holidays focusing on preventative measures and youth education to ensure that people can travel safely across Greater Manchester.”

The TravelSafe Partnership exists to keep public transport safe across Greater Manchester by offering reassurance to passengers and preventing and dealing with incidents of crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion.

Under the TSP, a dedicated team of Police Constables (PCs), Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Special Constables (SCs) and TravelSafe Officers (TSOs) provide regular patrols on the region’s networks.