A MAJOR operation targeting criminals and anti-social behaviour on the region's public transport has been launched.
Large numbers of police officers, community support officers and special constables patrolled the transport systems around Calderdale.
Saturday was the first day of Operation Focus, which will now be extended across West Yorkshire in the coming months.
Officers travelled with passengers on buses and trains, patrolled key points, provided crime reduction advice and gathered intelligence on problem areas.
The scheme is being led by the British Transport Police and Metro.
They are working in close partnership with West Yorkshire Police and bus and train companies.
Chief Insp Terry Nicholson, of the Transport Police, said: "Thousands of people travel on the transport network in West Yorkshire every day, but very few become crime victims.
"The fear of becoming a victim far outweighs the reality of actually being one.
"We hope that Operation Focus on Saturday and then throughout West Yorkshire in the coming months will demonstrate this and reassure the public and passengers.
"We aim to alleviate fear and put the realities of becoming a crime victim into perspective.
"We will also help people feel safer while travelling on the transport network."
Chief Insp Nicholson added: "The operation will also seek to deter any potential criminals who may look to target passengers and the transport system."
Sgt Paul Banerjee, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "We are pleased to be able to work with our partner agencies in order to promote safe travel across the region's various methods of transport.
"We already have a safe public transport network in Calderdale and this operation is just one part in our commitment to maintaining and, where necessary, further improving that level of security."
Metro chairman Clr Stanley King said: "Metro fully supports this scheme.
"We firmly believes that bus and train passengers have a right to travel in safety."
