Three teenagers will face court over a series of incidents involving theft, assault and damage on Hobart’s Metro buses earlier this month.
Police have charged a 14-year-old boy in relation to two separate incidents, including allegedly stealing from a bus on March 13 and assaulting a driver before stealing cash in Glenorchy on March 15.
Two 15-year-old boys will also appear in court accused of damaging a bus in Gagebrook on March 19 and stealing approximately $270 worth of property in a separate incident.
Inspector Jason Klug said high-quality CCTV footage from both the buses and in bus malls enabled authorities to quickly identify the alleged offenders.
“The safety of Metro employees and community members on public transport is a priority for Tasmania Police,” he said.
“We work in partnership with Metro and have dedicated officers who proactively patrol and detect offending on buses and around key transport areas.”
The incidents come after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union had previously instructed its Tasmanian driver members to stop collecting cash fares.
The union cited concerns that handling money was a common trigger for violence against drivers.
All three teenagers are expected to appear in court at a later date.
