Police crack down on tram yobs
POLICE have launched a huge crackdown on safety on the Oldham-Rochdale Metrolink line after a spate of attacks and yobbish behaviour.
GMP say there have been numerous reports of bricks and stones being lobbed at carriages and louts running across the tracks in front of trams.
In some cases, drivers have even been knocked unconscious by bricks launched at their cabins.
Now officers have launched a two-week crackdown in a bid to stop menacing behaviour – with efforts focussed on the Oldham-Rochdale line, which is said to be the worst for anti-social behaviour.
Uniformed and plainclothed officers will ride services both day and night in a bid to spot and stop missile attacks and violence – as well as faredodging and other intimidating behaviour.
PCSO Martin Smith, who acts as GMP’s TravelSafe leader, said: “The Oldham-Rochdale line is the worst for anti-social behaviour.
“We are being proactive and trying to deal with it but in the past we have had things like items being thrown at tram windows, large bricks hitting drivers and knocking them unconscious.
“There are so many things going on that we need to flood the line with officers – both plainclothed and also uniformed.
“That is going to continue as we go forward.”
One driver was rushed to hospital with chest and facial injuries in May after youths launched a brick through the tram windscreen between the Derker and Shaw and Crompton stops.
Police say the Hollinwood stop recently saw around 70 youths being disruptive and intimidating passengers.
The Oldham Mumps stop also had issues with teenagers, who police said were abusing officers as well as members of the public.
GMP have stepped up patrols and dispersal orders have been put in place.
Officers say issues are now improving.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, added: “The issue of anti-social behaviour on the Rochdale via Oldham line is one we’re aware of and one that we’re taking steps to address. Any act that could potentially compromise the safety of our passengers and staff will not be tolerated anywhere on the network.”