Xplore Dundee safety warning as buses withdrawn due to anti-social behaviour

Xplore Dundee has issued a safety warning after withdrawing buses from a street in Ardler due to anti-social behaviour.

The operator diverted services from Turnberry Avenue on Sunday night after “instances of anti-social behaviour”.

Buses were withdrawn from the street between 7pm and 11pm, and passengers were asked to board the number 1 and 10 services from Staffa Place and Rosemount Road instead.

Xplore says a “small number” of incidents in the area in recent weeks have been reported to Police Scotland.

Xplore Dundee warns it ‘will not compromise on safety’ after anti-social behaviour

A spokesperson for the company said: “There have been a small number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area in recent weeks and we are very grateful for the continued support of Police Scotland.

“Xplore Dundee will not compromise on safety for our drivers and passengers.

“These incidents also have a negative impact on the local residents in the surrounding communities who rely on our buses on a daily basis.”

In April, Xplore bosses called for more action to tackle anti-social behaviour after buses in Dundee were targeted 29 times in four months.

It came after the number 1 and 10 services were diverted away from Turnberry Avenue after coming under attack from missiles.

A hate crime probe was also launched in June after a man racially abused another passenger on an Xplore bus in Broughty Ferry.

Police recently led a Safe Travel Initiative project supported by Dundee City Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and staff from Xplore Dundee.

Officers worked with P6/7 and S1 pupils and used “real life” impact statements from Xplore staff.

Sergeant Kate Forbes, Longhaugh Community Policing, said: “We are taking these crimes very seriously and I would urge anyone who comes across disorder to contact police.

“Antisocial behaviour and criminal acts will not be tolerated.

“Officers are carrying out routine patrols with particular attention to areas where this type of behaviour has been reported.

“Anyone found to be committing these offences will be dealt with appropriately.

“We understand the impact these crimes have on the local community, and I would like to thank locals who continue to bring these incidents to our attention.

“I would reassure them that everything possible is being done to reduce antisocial behaviour in our area.

“I would urge those responsible to think about their behaviour and what the outcome of their actions could be, and I am asking parents and guardians to make sure they know where their children are and to talk to them about the impact of this type of activity.”