Purge on public transport vandals

Stations, buses and trains have been targeted by graffiti vandals

Police, bus and rail operators across Yorkshire are mounting a purge on vandals who deface and damage public transport vehicles in the region.

And the Crimestoppers charity is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for people who ring in with the name of anyone attacking buses or trains.

Posters featuring common graffiti "tags" or etches are being distributed in a bid to snare the culprits.

Transport officials say the cost of repairs is escalating.

Hitting services

Det Sgt Ian Froggett, the regional co-ordinator from Crimestoppers said: "Such vandalism is a costly eyesore and it increases the fear of crime.

"What we're asking the public to do is ring us on 0800 555111 with information about the individuals they believe to be responsible."

Phil Stone, Arriva Yorkshire's managing director added: "Graffiti and etching not only costs money, it means that buses have to be taken off the road for repairs.

"The result is that vital services cannot be operated, inconveniencing customers."

Ch Insp Terry Nicholson of British Transport Police said: "Graffiti is not an art, it is vandalism in these circumstances and it is a blight on the area where it occurs."

Plain clothed police will be travelling on buses and trains aiming to identify and arrest anyone causing criminal damage.