Reported crimes fall on Newham’s buses

Newham has one of the highest rates of bus related crime in London, latest police figures reveal.

The Met recorded 220 incidents throughout 2010/11, with the majority of the offences theft and handling.

There were seven sexual offences, 27 robberies, and 38 instances of violence against the person.

However, there was an overall 25 per cent drop on the previous year’s 293 offences.

Transport for London (TfL) said the fall was down to the visibility of safer transport command officers, who conduct intelligence led operations and act as a deterrent on the buses.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has used the figures as part of his re-election campaign, claiming that he has funded more than 400 police officers to patrol the capital’s buses.

Steve Burton, from TfL, said: “Newham borough’s transport network is a low crime environment and it is encouraging that the number of crimes has yet again fallen on the bus network.

“We will continue to work together with our policing partners in the borough to address issues as they emerge and further reduce transport crime.”

Ch Supt Sultan Taylor added: “We will be tirelessly carrying out operations and using all manner of policing tactics at our disposal to continue to disrupt criminals operating on the transport system in Newham.”