POLICE in Blacon have vowed to crack down on anti-social youths who are targeting buses.

Drivers of First buses, taking passengers through the Chester suburb, have feared for their safety after stones have been hurled at their windows.

At bus stops, youths have switched off the engine using the emergency stop button on the side of the bus forcing the driver out of his seat and leaving ticket money unguarded.

In a bid to make Blacon’s bus routes safer for the bus company and passengers using the service, Cheshire Police will now be sending community support officers on buses to monitor the situation.

PCSO John Hirst said: “Over the last two months we have identified that First Bus are having problems in Blacon with anti-social behaviour.

“We are working with the bus company to combat anti-social behaviour and try to guarantee safety for the passengers and reassure drivers that something is being done.

“I will be travelling at different times on First buses in Blacon and when I am not there then my colleagues will fill in.

“There is the odd occasion when stones have been thrown and also when buses have pulled up to bus stops the youths are turning off the bus engine using the emergency stop button.

“This forces the driver to get off the bus and then there is a security issue with regards the money on the bus.”

David Brookes, operations manager for First in Chester, is determined to make the safety initiative a success.

He said: “First and Chester Police have taken this positive step in response to a number of incidents.

“Safety and security for our staff and customers is paramount and we will do everything we can to tackle these issues.”