Appeal for information after youngsters target buses in Thornaby and Hardwick

Since the end of November police have received numerous reports of young children causing criminal damage to buses.

This has involved throwing items at the vehicles while they are moving.

Most of the buses have been targeted in Thornaby and Hardwick leading to certain routes being changed.

Officers from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team have worked alongside Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the local bus companies to obtain various footage and are looking through it in a bid to identify who is responsible and then take appropriate action.

They are also warning of the dangers this can cause and appealing directly to parents and guardians to be aware of where their children are and what they are doing.

Inspector Andy Vickers, from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “We have received numerous reports of buses being targeted over the last few days.

“Thankfully, there has been collisions or no injuries as a result of this behaviour however I must make it clear how dangerous it can be for the driver, passengers and other road users.

“While we are looking at CCTV footage to identify who is responsible, I am appealing for information that could help with our investigation.

“I encourage parents and guardians to speak to their children to find out where they are and what they are doing.

“If you have information, please do get in touch either by calling 101 or visiting our website.”

When reporting information please quote reference number 234736 for Hardwick and reference number 234648 for Thornaby.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.