A man was issued a fixed penalty notice within minutes after being spotted urinating at Rochdale Interchange, thanks to a rapid police response triggered through the TravelSafe LiveChat service.
The incident was one of several recent examples released by Greater Manchester Police as it marked 500 public reports since launching the discreet messaging tool. LiveChat allows passengers to flag antisocial or criminal behaviour directly to trained call handlers without drawing attention.
CCTV operators monitoring the transport hub acted immediately when the man was seen urinating in a public area. Officers were dispatched and located the offender within minutes, issuing a penalty notice on the spot.
The service, part of the wider Bee Network partnership between GMP and Transport for Greater Manchester, is designed to support swift action across the public transport system. Other recent incidents resolved through LiveChat include abusive tram passengers, fare evasion, and safeguarding reports involving children.
Neil Smitham, Call Handling Supervisor at GMP, said the 500-report milestone demonstrated how much the public trusts the tool. “We are proud of the real-time responses and how the service is helping people feel safer while travelling,” he said.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added that LiveChat reflects the region’s new approach to transport policing, offering quick, discreet support to passengers who feel unsafe or witness misconduct.
TfGM’s TravelSafe Manager, Kate Green, confirmed that LiveChat continues to play a vital role in supporting GMP officers and deterring nuisance behaviour on the Bee Network.
The Rock opens search for new charity partner in Bury
Restart the Heart installs 50th community defibrillator
Rochdale AFC promotion heroes welcomed home after Wembley triumph
Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win
Paul Waugh says Rochdale have put town in national spotlight ahead of Wembley trip
Alex and James raise more than £51,000 for Springhill Hospice from Run
RECAP: Follow Rochdale AFC’s Wembley journey against Boreham Wood
Three more days of strikes next week at St Cuthberts High School
Reform UK surge in Bolton as seismic shift sees council leader lose his seat
Oldham councillor’s car damaged during election count in town centre
Oldham Council investigates ballot paper error after votes disqualified in Waterhead
Rochdale Town Hall wins four major RIBA awards in landmark moment for borough regeneration
Comments
Add a comment