A MAJOR police operation to crack down on antisocial behaviour on buses has been in full swing this week.

Operation SafeBus has seen the full force of Croydon's Safer Transport Team carrying out patrols on and around the borough's buses.

Focusing in particular on West Croydon's transport hubs, it kicked off on Monday and will conclude on Sunday.

Local safer neighbourhood teams, the British Transport Police and Transport for London's ticket inspectors have also been playing a part in the operation.

Over the last six years Croydon has seen a 17 per cent reduction in crime on buses - and a 27 per cent reduction in vandalism on buses.

The Met Police's Chief Inspector Stuart Taylor said: "We are dedicated to keeping the bus network a safe environment for all.

"Although crime on the bus network is low, this does not mean we can be complacent."

In the last financial year (2009/10), Croydon buses saw 154 acts of criminal damage (down 27 per cent from the previous year), 16 sexual offences (27 per cent down), 258 acts of violence against people (14 per cent down), 11 drug offences (63 per cent down) and 265 thefts (16 per cent down).