New strategy launched to tackle crime and ASB on public transport

The Safer Transport Northumbria Partnership (STNP) strategy was launched by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth in conjunction with the police, Nexus, bus companies and other local authority partners.

It is in response to a range of cross-cutting challenges which impact public confidence in public transport – including crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), violence against women and girls (VAWG), accessibility concerns and the fear of crime.

The collaborative approach is already delivering results. Since the partnership was established in 2021, through Safer Streets funding secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, incidents across the transport network have steadily reduced, with reported anti-social behaviour incidents falling by almost 10%.

Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This Safer Transport Northumbria Strategy brings everyone together with a shared ambition – to maintain a safe, welcoming and trusted transport network across Northumbria.

“Since the partnership was established in 2021, innovative initiatives such as the Trojan Metro and the End of the Line campaign have demonstrated the impact partnership working can have, contributing to a steady reduction in incidents across the network and this strategy is about building on this work further. From British Transport’s VAWG taskforce to Stagecoach’s bus driver training – everyone is doing their bit.”

The new strategy sets out a coordinated approach to tackling issues through agreed multiagency responses, information sharing, ensuring a visible well trained and reassuring presence on the transport network, robust communications and consistent well promoted reporting mechanisms.

The strategy also aims to encourage responsible and pro-social behaviour, create safer environments for vulnerable groups, increase public confidence in reporting incidents and ensure the transport network remains welcoming and accessible for everyone.

Erika Allen, Quality Health Safety Security and Environment (QHSSE) Director at Nexus, said: “Nexus has a key part to play in supporting the PCC, the police and our local authority partners in keeping the public safe when using the local bus and Metro system.

“We have a laser focus on improving safety and security across our networks. This builds on the work we have already done on Metro, including the roll out of our dedicated security teams, investment in new CCTV, and the launch of our new WhatsApp message alert system – 07345 222 710 – to allow customers to contact the Metro control room more easily and confidentially.

“Our message remains the same: anyone who thinks about causing trouble on public transport will be caught and face prosecution.”