Video: Crime-fighting teams for public transport (From News Shopper)

Video: Crime-fighting teams for public transport

4:53pm Wednesday 21st March 2007 in

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MAYOR of London Ken Livingstone took to the streets of Bexley to launch a new public transport crime-cutting initiative.

He was joined by Met Police commissioner Sir Ian Blair to launch Bexley's Safer Transport team.

The new team consists of around 18 PCSOs, which will patrol public transport in a bid to stop crime and anti-social behaviour.

Officers took to Bexleyheath's Market Square alongside Sir Ian and Mr Livingstone.

The team, which will work alongside at least two sergeants and one police constable, aim to provide a visible presence on buses and other public transport.

Their priority is reportedly to combat vandalism on buses.

Bexley is one of the first boroughs in London to receive a Safer Transport team.

Sir Ian told News Shopper Bexley was selected because thousands of people travel by bus through the borough everyday.

Many areas get crowded when schoolchildren travel home, he says.

The introduction of police on the buses will make travelling this way more organised, he added.

In total, 378 PCSOs will be introduced to 21 different areas in London.

Funding for the scheme was announced in October last year by Mr Livingstone.