Bobbies are set to go on Bradford's buses in a bid to stamp out rowdy behaviour and vandalism.

Officers will be targeting known hot spots where trouble has flared, generally involving schoolchildren.

Some 15 officers from Odsal division's Special Constabulary and the Community Safety Action Team will be patrolling bus routes and trouble spots when the scheme is launched in the New Year.

And on specific buses where problems have been experienced, they will be hopping on for a ride.

Odsal's schools liaison officer, PC David Crane, said: "People's safety is being put at risk because of disorder.

"Bus companies end up paying thousands of pounds due to mindless vandalism."

Incidents on the buses include assaults, vandalism, threatening behaviour and spitting out of windows at people.

One of the worst incidents in recent years was a blaze which destroyed a school bus outside Bradford's St George's Hall.

A 15-year-old boy set fire to a bus ticket and accidentally started the fire, which caused an estimated £30,000 worth of damage in May 1996.

The boy was expelled from Belle Vue Boys' Upper School and ordered to do 120 hours community service by a judge.

PC Crane said: "What can start off as a bit of a laugh can easily get out of control and escalate into a criminal act."

PC Steve Armatage, of the Community Safety Action Team, said hot spots included Wyke, Tong Street and Buttershaw.

He said: "The main aim is to reduce the fear of crime and provide a safe environment. A visible presence will hopefully have a calming influence on people and offenders will be dealt with accordingly."

Brandon Jones, marketing officer at First Bradford, said a substantial amount of money was spent on parts and labour when a bus was damaged.

The company's own insurance costs were affected and there was also a cost with buses being out of action. "We welcome initiatives such as this one," said Mr Jones.

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