The latest example of anti-social behaviour impacting a UK tram network has been seen in Nottingham with Nottinghamshire Police announcing a crackdown after trams were targeted by stone-throwing youths.
The incidents have been happening around Clifton and included a tram window being damaged on 18th February close to Southchurch Drive and then a further incident on 22nd February at Silverdale Walk.
Nottinghamshire Police will now be conducting extra patrols, more use of stop and search powers, followed by home visits to anyone found to be involved.
Inspector Steve Dalby, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for City South, said: “Thankfully no one has been hurt in these incidents but throwing projectiles at a moving tram full of passengers is extremely dangerous. We are also concerned that young people are risking serious injury every time they trespass on the tram network.
“The neighbourhood team is working hard to find solutions to the problem. These efforts will include targeted high-visibility patrols, making use of stop and search powers, visiting the home addresses of those found to be involved and other proactive steps.
“We are working alongside NET and the city council and are also asking for the help of the public. In particular, we’d ask parents to check where their children are during the evenings and make it clear to them about the risks involved.
“It is also important these young people understand they are committing serious offences by behaving in this way and we will deal robustly with those found to be involved.”
Shaun Kenneth, Service Delivery and Security Manager at NET, said: “The safety of all our passengers, staff members and the wider public is always our number one priority, and we take any incidents that put their safety in jeopardy extremely seriously.
“The recent incidents might seem to some like harmless fun or not that serious, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Such incidents are not only criminal damage and acts of vandalism which could land the perpetrators with a criminal record, but beyond that, they also put the lives of passengers, our staff and the wider public at risk too.
“In addition, loitering around the live tracks or climbing on our trams is incredibly dangerous and poses a serious risk of injuries or fatalities. Over the coming weeks we’ll continue to work closely with Nottinghamshire Police during their ongoing investigations into the incidents, while continuing to work towards helping to prevent future incidents.”