POLICE presence is to increase on buses in a bid to cut crime.

Eleven safer transport teams will be set up in inner London boroughs, including Lewisham, this year and last year.

Each team has two sergeants, one PC and 18 PCSOs.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: "These teams will be highly visible on the busy buses of central London where they will provide a reassuring presence for Londoners and visitors to our city."

Safer transport teams were launched in 21 outer London boroughs last year.

The teams build on measures such as putting CCTV on all London buses.