Safer Transport Command
Pan-London specialist transport police units
The pan-London specialist transport police units focus on issues such as illegal cabs, criminal damage, theft, robbery, assaults, and traffic congestion.
Task Teams
The role of theTask Teams is to support local officers in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour on the bus and transport network. They can be rapidly deployed to any incidents across the 32 boroughs.
The CCTV Investigation Unit and BusTag
The CCTV Investigation Unit and BusTag work together to tackle bus related crime with the aid of CCTV.
The CCTV Investigation Unit retrieves CCTV evidence from bus companies to assist investigations and identifications on those who have committed acts of violence, robbery, and assault on buses.
BusTag is the proactive arrest team that deals specifically with allegations of criminal damage such as graffiti, window etching, seat and window damage and arson, all of which costs bus operating companies millions of pounds each year to repair or replace.
Contact BusTag
BusTag would like to hear anonymously on the following telephone numbers from anyone who can help with their enquiries:
Operation Bus Tag: (020) 7027-8950
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
Cab Enforcement Unit
The Cab Enforcement Unit is dedicated to providing a safe environment in the licensed taxi trade industry by dealing with the unlicensed cab trade, targeting sex offenders connected to the cab trade, as well as enforcing cab regulations.
The unit works in partnership with many licensed trade and regulatory bodies such as the Public Carriage Office in addition to clubs and hotels; and supports the Mayor of London's Safer Travel at Night scheme which promotes awareness to the public about the dangers of illegal touts.
Safer Transport Roads Policing Unit
The Safer Transport Roads Policing Unit are highly mobile and provide
a fast, dedicated response to traffic congestion issues, smoothing
traffic flow across the capital. They are trained to work on all types
of roads, dealing with broken down vehicles, obstructions and minor
accidents. They also assist with traffic management at major incidents
and fatal collisions and any other serious disruptions to traffic.
Additionally the teams work to reduce delays and vehicle collisions
through targeted patrols and enforcement activity.
They keep London moving by enforcing parking and loading restrictions
along the TLRN, also known as Red Routes. They also ensure the efficient
safe movement of buses, road traffic, and other road users.
Recently the Safer Transport Roads Policing Unit have been working on
reducing closures of the Blackwall Tunnel. The tunnel is one of the
key locations in London that is not only pivotal to the continued economic
success of London but will be extremely important during the Olympics.
Intelligence Unit
The Intelligence Unit analyses and distributes intelligence to allow Safer Transport Command Officers to undertake proactive policing to drive down crime and the fear of crime on the bus network.
Metrocomm
Metrocomm is the joint Command and Control Centre for both the Safer Transport Command and the Traffic Operational Command Unit and works closely with Centrecomm (London Buses Control Room), and Transport for London's London Streets Traffic Control Centre.
Metrocomm dispatches calls to police units on the ground and coordinates police responses in respect of incidents involving buses, and instances of traffic congestion. Metrocomm also works with other agencies such as the Highways Agency, and the Metropolitan Police Service’s Central Communications Command centres .
2012 Games Unit
The Safer Transport Command 2012 Games Unit has been created to meet the challenges, and ensure the delivery of, safe, secure and resilient transport for the London 2012 games.
The United Kingdom will host the 2012 Olympic andPara-Olympic Games and the Safer Transport Command will be at the forefront of keeping London moving safely by policing the Olympic Route Network (ORN), and transport hubs.
Dip Squad
The Dip Squad targets prolific organised offenders committing pickpocket and theft offences on the London bus network.
Workplace Violence Unit
The Workplace Violence Unit (WVU) is a specialist unit dedicated to investigating assaults against bus drivers, Revenue Protection Inspectors and Network Controllers. It works in partnership with Transport for London senior investigators and bus companies.
Crime Squad
The Crime Squad is a plain clothes proactive unit specialising in investigating incidents of robbery and sexual assault on the London bus network.
Cycle Task Force
The Cycle Task Force is a dedicated unit to tackle cycle theft and improve cycle security and safety pan-London. Their remit is to create an environment where all cyclists and potential cyclists feel safe and secure to enjoy cycling in London. They tackle organised cycle theft through proactive investigations and operations, as well as disrupting the trade of stolen second-hand bikes and bicycle parts through working with online websites and running undercover operations and high visibility patrols in hot spot areas. They also participate in a range of London cycle events to promote cycle security and conduct enforcement against all road users with an aim of reducing casualties on London's roads.
The Cycle Task Force work closely with local policing teams in the 33 borough operational command units (BOCUs) to allow Londoners to enjoy cycling safely and free from the risk of theft or criminal damage.
If your bike is stolen in London, please report this to the Metropolitan Police Service by calling 101 or online at online.met.police.uk. In an emergency dial 999.
If you are a victim of bike theft and you suspect your bike is being sold, do not arrange to meet the seller, contact the police, quoting your crime reference number.
Cycle Security marking
Want to make your bike more safe and secure? Come along to any of the cycle marking events.