Rising crime on Metrolink services prompts rise in patrols and CCTV cover

Extra police patrols and increased CCTV is being deployed in Greater Manchester in response to a spate of crimes on the Rochdale via Oldham Metrolink line. Mayor for Policing and Crime Bev Hughes, said: “The Greater Manchester Travelsafe Partnership (TSP) is bolstering its team including police community support officers (PCSOs), TravelSafe officers, inspectors and sergeants.

“In addition, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has boosted the security of the transport network through the expansion of its control centre hours to 24/7 operation.”

TfGM’s control centre has access to CCTV footage from across the Greater Manchester road network, park & ride sites, bus stations and Metrolink stops.

The 24-hour control centre operation also supports greater reliability on the transport network as one of the key measures from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Congestion Deal.

The new system will enable a much quicker and more coordinated response to live incidents and issues and will support the TSP, which uses intelligence and crime and antisocial behaviour data from contributing operators to help target patrols in necessary areas at key times.

The TSP, which was formed in 2015, works across all ten districts of Greater Manchester to reduce antisocial behaviour. Activity includes school and youth group visits to educate and inform on the effects of antisocial behaviour on victims.

Deputy Mayor Hughes said: “The move to a 24 hours a day, seven days a week control centre is excellent news and I hope it offers additional reassurance to passengers by reinforcing the important point that public transport is a safe and secure way to travel.

“More TSP staff and officers are out on the transport network, particularly in the evenings and at weekends, complementing the vital work already underway which helps keep our communities safe.”

Chief Inspector Colette Rose from Greater Manchester Police, who heads the TravelSafe Partnership, said: “As a Partnership we actively work with schools where we deliver presentations on antisocial behaviour and its effects on the public and wider community. I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to parents and ask that they appropriately educate their children about the consequences of their behaviour on others.”