Extra police patrols on West Midlands trams - but it will only last for a week

Extra police patrols are set to be rolled out on West Midlands trams - but it will only last for a week. The West Midlands tram network will see increased patrols from British Transport Police officers starting on Monday, November 18.

West Midlands Metro said it was supporting National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week which runs nationwide until November 24. It is aimed at raising awareness of the impacts of anti-social-behaviour. The operator said serious incidents were 'extremely uncommon' on the region's tram network.

But it said the introduction of more officers over the week will aim to provide additional reassurances to passengers and staff. The patrols will be made by officers from BTP's Safer Travel Partnership.

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Anthony Stanley, West Midlands Metro’s head of operations and safety, said: "We’ve implemented a wide range of measures to deter anti-social behaviour and other unwanted activities, including frequent patrols with British Transport Police and officers from the Safer Travel Partnership. Our tram system is fully equipped with high-definition CCTV, and our team members wear bodycams to provide an added layer of safety.

"Nearly all our stops are proudly recognised with the prestigious Safer Tram Stop accreditation from Secured by Design, a national police-led security initiative that sets high standards for public safety. These measures are part of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a secure, welcoming environment for all Metro users.

"However, we can never be complacent, and the additional patrols we’ll be introducing over ASB Awareness Week will provide additional reassurance for our customers and staff. Recent prosecutions also demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach to any criminal activity across our tram network, a commitment we uphold every day—not just during awareness initiatives like this one."

ASB Awareness Week is organised by safety experts at Resolve, and supported nationwide by the government, civil service, police, fire services, local authorities, housing associations, and community groups. Inspr Ivan Merc, Safer Travel policing manager added: "We regularly patrol all modes of public transport in the West Midlands working closely with all transport operators to target and reduce anti-social behaviour.

"ASB awareness week is an opportunity to strengthen these efforts, and we would urge anybody report any ASB to text 6016 for incidents on metro or rail, text ‘SeeSay’ with details for anything on buses."