Police will conduct targeted searches of buses on Sydney's Northern Beaches as part of an initiative to make travel to and from the area safer for both passengers and drivers. Operation 'Bus Safe,' is a joint project between Northern Beaches Local Area Command, Police Transport Command and State Transit, who are working closely to target criminal and anti-social behaviour on public transport. A new phase of the operation will see information from bus drivers and passengers relayed to police during evening hours, who will then board buses for targeted checks to ensure customers' journeys aren't being affected by anyone breaking the law or being unruly. In the first phase of the operation, plain-clothes and uniformed police have been riding buses throughout the Beaches, over the past three months. Officers have ejected 94 people from buses, searched 31 individuals and taken action against 14 people for street offences; including offensive language and offensive conduct. Northern Beaches Local Area Commander, Superintendent Dave Darcy, said the operation was a long-term commitment to stamping out improper behaviour. "This operation is an innovative approach to tackling unruly behaviour on the Beaches' main form of public transport," Supt Darcy said. "Some individuals believe they can act out on a bus because of its transient nature and the fact police aren't present, however, now they can think twice. "We want those travelling on buses to know they don't have to tolerate harassment or someone breaking the law, and not to feel they are trapped in the bus and have to put up with it," Supt Darcy said. Police Transport Command's, Acting Superintendent Craig James, said police will be working closely with bus drivers to make it safer for those on public transport. "Officers will patrol buses to ensure individuals can travel to and from their destination safely, in line with community expectations. "We will work closely with State Transit and drivers, and use information to target problematic routes, ensuring we are in the right place at the right time. "Police Transport Command is committed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport and has teamed up with local police to make this happen on the Northern Beaches," Acting Superintendent James said. State Member for Manly, Mike Baird, said the Northern Beaches is a great example of a community coming together to reduce criminal and anti-social behaviour. "Through my discussions with other local members, I am aware that many in the community are concerned about violence on local buses, and the good news is that this initiative is starting to have an impact. "I am also very proud of the progress that the Manly community has made in reducing the significant impact of alcohol-fuelled violence. "This has truly been a coordinated community effort and I want to pay tribute to the efforts of local police, the council and licensees who all have made progress on this difficult issue, but there is more that we can do. "I welcome this new phase of the operation, which is another measure we can take to make the Northern Beaches safer for everyone," Mr Baird said.

• published: 09 Apr 2014
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