Police step up patrols after anti-social behaviour on buses

Over the last few weeks, police say buses in the Ferham and Arbourthorne areas have had bricks, rocks and metal thrown at them by groups of teenagers.

Sgt Karen Holmes said in one of the incidents on the 136 bus route between Rotherham and Hoyland, an industrial magnet had been thrown through a bus window, but thankfully no one had been injured. 

She highlighted the seriousness of the incident and added: "I don’t need to spell out how dangerous this is, it won’t be tolerated, and our officers will now be taking enforcement action.

“Over the coming week we will be carrying out various operations to identify those responsible, I want bus users to know that we are taking action.

“We have various plans in place, including new patrols along key routes.” 

The South Yorkshire TravelSafe Partnership has identified several areas in South Yorkshire where anti-social behaviour against buses is increasing. 

Sgt Holmes added: “I’d really like people reading this, who suspect their child might be involved, to speak to them about the seriousness of what they’re doing.

“As well as the risk of damage and injury to drivers and passengers, this type of activity is stopping people getting around. It’s stopping people getting to work as easily, including key workers, and it’s also preventing the elderly from getting their supplies from town.

“My message to them is whilst you might not use the buses, for some people they are absolutely essential services.”

Police neighbourhood teams are also working on measures to prevent incidents happening, including working with construction companies to encourage them to secure building materials being used as missiles.

They are also in regular contact with bus companies to ensure intelligence is fed back to local officers who may be investigating similar offences.