'On the buses' crackdown

Operation Blakey has been named after the character from On The Buses

Police will hopping 'on the buses' to stamp out anti-social behaviour during Operation Blakey in March.

Some Swansea First Cymru buses will see police officers chaperoning passengers from time to time throughout the month.

The pilot scheme will take place on a number of routes in Penlan, Gorseinon, Blaenymaes and Pontarddulais.

Police have named the initiative after the character from the 1970s sitcom On The Buses.

"Over the month 50 officers will take part," said superintendent Tim Jones.

"Those will be a combination of beat officers, special constables and police community support officers.

"They will be travelling the most problematic bus routes in Swansea to stamp out anti-social behaviour and crime on the buses.

"They will be hopping on and off the bus and patrolling in the vicinity of the bus stops before catching the next service bus on the routes."

Supt Jones said problems had reached such a critical point that some bus services had been withdrawn.

When it's got to a point that bus services or either withdrawn or if they are staying out of some areas - we cannot tolerate it Supt Tim Jones

First Cymru has stopped some services into Gorseinon recently because of vandalism.

Supt Jones said: "It is annoyance by young people, sometimes missiles are being thrown at buses or attempts to pull the emergency cords.

"It's been a problem for some time, when it's got to a point that bus services or either withdrawn or if they are staying out of some areas we cannot tolerate it," he added.

Vulnerable hardest-hit

"The people who are suffering are the vulnerable such as young people or the elderly."

Officers will warn passengers if they spot anti-social behaviour and are prepared to make arrests.

"It also gives officers the opportunity to chat and reassure people," added Supt Jones.

"They see it as a good opportunity to engage the community as they travel on the buses."

Justin Davies, managing director of First Cymru said: "Safety is our number one priority and we will not tolerate violence against our staff or customers.

"First Cymru is committed to working closely with the police and community groups to ensure we can provide safe bus services, that are vital to so many people."