Revealed: The London boroughs with the most crime-ridden bus routes

Hotspot: Westminster had the highest numbers of bus crimes
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Hatty Collier27 August 2016
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Bus passengers are most at risk of becoming a victim of crime when travelling through Westminster, it can be revealed.

Figures obtained from Transport for London showed 1,424 crimes recorded on buses in the borough over a 12-month period.

Lambeth had the second highest rate of crimes on buses with 1,065 crimes reported from July 2015 to June 2016, according to the statistics obtained by the Standard under the Freedom of Information Act .

Southwark was the third most dangerous borough with 911 incidents and Hackney fourth with 817.

Transport for London said it was working hard alongside police to tackle all forms of crimes on London’s bus services.

In contrast, Sutton had the lowest numbers of crimes on buses with 189 incidents over the 12-month period.

Richmond, Bexley and Kingston also had low bus crime rate with 211, 246 and 212 incidents reported respectively.

Some 17,468 crimes were reported across London's bus network over the year.

The figures included reported crimes of theft, violence against a person, sex offences, criminal damage, robbery and harassment.

The number of incidents for City of London were not available.

Steve Burton, TfL’s Director of Enforcement and On-Street Operations, said: “The bus network is a safe, low-crime environment with very few people ever experiencing or witnessing crime.

“During 2015/16 there were around 7.5 crimes for every million passenger journeys and the vast majority of these were low-level.

“However, one crime is one too many and we are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to further improve the safety and security of those using London’s buses.”

A Met Police spokesman said: "The MPS works with Transport for London to ensure a very safe and secure travelling environment for the public on the bus network - thoroughly investigating any crimes or incidents, targeting offenders and supporting victims.

"In an emergency always call 999. For all other police related enquiries call our non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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