Operation BusTag is a closed circuit television investigation unit set up to deal with vandalism committed on London buses. It is part of the Met's Transport for London funded Transport Operational Command Unit, which also deals with tackling illegal taxi touts and assisting with the control of traffic congestion.
Operation BusTag was set up in November 2004 to:
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Tackle criminal damage being committed on London's buses
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Identify those who have committed criminal damage
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Bring to justice those who have committed criminal damage
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Liase with bus companies and other authorities to tackle criminal damage and anti-social behaviour
Since 1 April 2006 Operation BusTag has made 180 arrests - and a total of 774 arrests since November 2004. Arrests have been made for criminal damage; breach of Anti Social Behaviour Order; arson with intent to endanger life; assaults; and robbery.
BusTag's schools visit strategy targets secondary schools in year groups 7 to 11 - pupils aged 11 to 16. Criminal damage costs bus companies millions of pounds a year and statistics show that a majority of people who carry out acts of criminal damage on buses are first-time offenders of school age.
