STOP putting your own and other people’s lives at risk.

That is the message from a police inspector after reports of youths hanging off the back of a double decker bus in Bournemouth.

Dorset Police officers are carrying out enquiries over the incident and other reports of anti-social behaviour in West Howe.

Neighbourhood Inspector Danny Tamblyn, of north Bournemouth police, said: “Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware of these ongoing issues and have been carrying out anti-social behaviour hotspot patrols in the area over recent weeks and these will continue.

“We would like to remind all members of the community that Dorset Police will not tolerate incidents of anti-social behaviour and it remains a priority for the force.

“We will engage and, where necessary, use escalating enforcement powers and partnership resources to address the behaviour of those that seek to harm our community.”

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Inspector Tamblyn said he would encourage residents to report any anto-social behaviour to Dorset Police.

He said this helps officers build an “intelligence picture” to find out where incidents are taking place and direct patrols to specific areas.

“Finally, my message to those children who think it is a good idea to hang off moving buses. Stop it,” said Inspector Tamblyn.

“You are not only risking your lives, but you are also putting other road users at risk.”

Dorset Police was called at 6.34pm on Wednesday, October 13, to reports of a group of around 10 young people aged between 10 and 12 years old acting anti-socially in Cunningham Crescent near the parade of shops.

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It was reported that four members of the group then climbed onto the double decker bus and were hanging off the back of the vehicle. It is understood they climbed on a Morebus service.

Further reports followed at 9.32pm on Sunday, October 17, of a group of people kicking a bus stop in Moore Avenue and Poole Avenue.

Officers attended and established damage had been caused to the bus stop previously. They spoke to the people involved and moved them on.

Lastly, on Monday, October 18, police were called over criminal damage to a glass section of a bus stop in Cunningham Crescent. It was reported the damage was caused by a group of five to six young people. Officers attended and carried out a search of the area, but no one was located.

David Squire, Yellow Buses managing director, said the firm's services had not been targeted in the recent incidents but he warned of the dangers of hanging onto the back of buses.

“They call is ‘bus surfing’ and it is incredibly dangerous,” said Mr Squire.

“It does happen from time to time. The driver can’t see them, they have no idea they are there and if they fall off, they are likely to be run over with all the potential consequences from vehicles behind.”

Kinson ward councillor Daune Farr said a meeting had taken place with the neighbourhood policing team over recent anti-social behaviour incidents in West Howe.

“I completely condemn this sort of dangerous behaviour because it makes the place look bad and could lead to someone getting hurt," he said.

“I am told police are doing patrols in targeted areas.

“This is not the first time I have heard of people doing this sort of thing. Two or three other times it has happened in other local areas and bus companies had to temporarily stop routes in those areas until it was addressed.”

In a message to the youths involved in the incidents, Cllr Farr said: “Think about what you are doing. It is causing trouble for other people.

“It could affect important bus routes which people rely on and make them feel unsafe.”