New move to combat bus yobs

Yobs smashed the windows of buses in Rawmarsh on two consecutive nights earlier this month and police believe they used rocks from the former Bellows Road Shopping Centre site.

A gang of up to 20 teenagers was involved in the incidents around High Street at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, February 9, and the same time a day later.

The Stagecoach bus depot, on Dale Road, was also vandalised.

Insp Jenny Lax, of Rotherham North local police team (LPT), said she thought the youths had been getting rocks from the demolition site and throwing them at buses.

Insp Lax said: “We have now spoken to the council and there will be regular collections of the debris from the site.

“By working with other agencies we’ve also got a list of 17 names who we believe may have been involved in the incidents.

“We won’t tolerate this sort of behaviour and will take positive action against those responsible.”

Insp Lax said the LPT had imposed a Section 35 dispersal order for the area around High Street, Bellows Road and Dale Road.

The order gives police the power to move group of youths from the area or risk further action.

She said: “The number of incidents has vastly reduced but we are still working on the problem.”

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has been released on bail.

Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We are aware of a number of recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Rawmarsh which have affected buses operating in the area. 

“Damage has also been caused to a window at our Rawmarsh depot. 

“We are working closely with South Yorkshire Police to tackle the issues.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is our number one priority and we have a strong record of working with the police to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

Anyone with any information about the incidents should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 1085 of February 2.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, 0800 555 111.