Anti-social behaviour cut at bus station

Police officers

Police say that Rochdale Bus Station is no longer a hotspot for anti-social behaviour thanks to a joint initiative between Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE).

The crackdown saw a significant reduction in incidents, with just 36 between 1 January and 31 August, compared with 60 in the same period last year; a 40% reduction.

A mini-police station has been sited at the bus station since August 2007 and is used by local officers to field inquiries, to speak with witnesses and to provide public reassurance.
Other measures introduced to protect passengers and bus drivers include an increase in police patrols at busy times on Fridays and Saturdays and more CCTV cameras. Talking signs that broadcast crime reduction messages have also been installed.

Inspector James Troisi of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have worked hard over the last 14 months to crackdown on the number of reports of anti-social behaviour at the station. The initiatives put in place have proved fundamental in making the bus station a safer and more inviting environment for people passing through or working at the station.

“We will continue to work with GMPTE and our other partners to further bring down incidents of anti-social behaviour and continue to build on the public’s trust and confidence in using the station.”

GMPTE's Interim Service Delivery Director, Michael Renshaw, said: "We work closely with the police to help keep public transport safe. Antisocial behaviour on public transport is rare but we encourage any activity that helps to reassure passengers that this is the case. The mini-police station at Rochdale Bus Station is a great example of the successful partnership between GMPTE and the police.

“In addition, GMPTE’s Patrol and Response Team, which boards buses and responds to incidents at bus stations throughout the region, is also proving a real success. These latest figures show that both these initiatives really are helping to improve passenger safety."