Patrols to continue over Easter amid spate of attacks on buses

Police in Edinburgh will continue to engage with youths over the Easter break following a recent rise in antisocial behaviour on and around public transport across the city.

Since mid-February, more than 100 incidents have been reported.

As well as throwing stones at buses, cars and trams, youths have also been tampering with emergency stop buttons, holding onto buses while they’re in motion and damaging bus property.

Police Scotland said two drivers were injured during this period.

In response to the bad behaviour, Lothian Buses suspended evening services for a night.

Operation Proust, which aims to address these issues through joint community patrols with Lothian Buses, has seen 25 youths identified and reported to the relevant authorities, some for multiple offences.

Enquiries remain ongoing into several investigations across the city.

Chief inspector Sarah Taylor said: “Public transport is an absolutely essential service, and it has been shocking to see the level of disrespect and criminality directed towards providers recently.

“This deplorable behaviour will not be tolerated and our officers will be continuing their work within our communities to ensure services can operate safely.

“There has also been a significant focus on engaging with young people and educating them on the harm this activity is causing, and over the past month, officers have spoken to more than 500 youths while out on patrol.

“Parents and guardians play a key role in addressing these issues, and I would urge them to speak to their children about the dangers associated with throwing objects at vehicles, as well as making sure they know where they are and what they are doing.

“Support from members of the public is also vital in helping us quickly identify those engaging in this behaviour and I would continue to ask anyone who witnesses an incident to contact police immediately.”

Sarah Boyd, operations director for Lothian Buses, added: “Lothian take pride in serving at the heart of our local communities and we are fully committed to providing travel for key workers and those who require essential travel.

“Driver and customer safety is our absolute priority and we continue to work in close partnership with Police Scotland.

“We would encourage anyone with any information relating to incidents of antisocial behaviour to contact the police as soon as possible.”