Gangs of Teenagers Targeting Metrolink Network

Gangs of "feral" teenagers and organised criminals are plaguing parts of the Metrolink network, damaging ticket machines and attacking drivers and staff.

A fresh wave of assaults and vandalism during 2017 included one incident that saw a driver seriously injured by a thrown brick. The latest update on incidents reported to transport chiefs reveals a particular spike in crime on the Oldham and Rochdale line.

Metrolink saw a 12 per cent annual rise in anti-social behaviour incidents between October and December, with around a third of these occurring on the Oldham and Rochdale route.

Many of the incidents came after Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the issue would be tackled, including through the recruitment last summer of 70 new staff. But Councillor Roger Jones, a member of the TfGM committee, admitted that more needed to be done. He said:

"I think when it comes to vandalism and anti-social behaviour there are some people who have decided the trams are okay because they've only got a driver and are an easy target.

"We can't allow any line in any area to become the victim of that kind of behaviour. This has got to be the top priority. We've got to use all our resources as well as police resources to stamp it out."

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Mellor Hargreaves Ltd

Work Accident Solicitors