CCTV used to catch bus vandals

5:50pm Wednesday 28th February 2007

Comments (7)   Have your say »

Police have released CCTV stills in the hope of finding culprits who have caused thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage on Croydon buses.

The Transport Operational Command Unit's BusTag team, together with London bus companies and Transport for London (TfL), want to the footage to lead to the identification and arrest of the crooks responsible.

“Some of those committing these offences believe they can never be tracked down, but thanks to extensive newspaper coverage and the hard work of the BusTag team this is certainly not the case."

Chief Superintendent Mike Humphrey

The team also work alongside colleagues with local knowledge, such as Safer Schools and Safer Neighbourhood teams.

Chief Superintendent Mike Humphrey, in charge of the Transport Operational Command Unit, said: "The publication of images enables us to identify offenders in their area, who we will arrest and prosecute.

"Some of those committing these offences believe they can never be tracked down, but thanks to extensive newspaper coverage and the hard work of the BusTag team this is certainly not the case.

"If crimes such as these are not tackled it is everyone who suffers."

Criminal damage to London buses costs in excess of £8 million each year.

Jeroen Weimar, TfL's Director of Transport Policing and Enforcement said: "Graffiti causes disruption, creates fear and incurs substantial costs that would be better invested improving the transport network. Together we can tackle this problem and ensure a safer and more reliable journey for all."

If you can identify any of these people contact Operation BusTag on 020 7027 8950 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can remain anonymous.

• To see all the suspects click here.