Forty fake bus passes were seized during the first day of a blitz on fare dodgers who are illegally using public transport in and around Walsall.

Police and inspectors from National Express West Midlands now plan to continue with the operation.

A rising number of passengers and bus drivers have been complaining about problems on journeys including violence and threats of violence.

Mr Suresu Retnasingham, Community Police Support Officer at Walsall police, said: “This appears to be a very big problem.”

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Forty fake bus passes were seized during the first day of a blitz on fare dodgers who are illegally using public transport in and around Walsall.

Police and inspectors from National Express West Midlands now plan to continue with the operation.

A rising number of passengers and bus drivers have been complaining about problems on journeys including violence and threats of violence.

Mr Suresu Retnasingham, Community Police Support Officer at Walsall police, said: “This appears to be a very big problem.

“There has also been an increase in violence and threats of violence on buses and in particular on drivers.

“Police have been working with the bus company to offer a presence on buses to reassure people that we are aware of the problem.”

Tony Dallison, manager of National Express West Midlands Safer Travel partnership, said: “The successful partnership with West Midlands Police aims not only to deter and detect crime on the bus network, but to help our customers feel safe whilst they travel.”

Passengers can text details of incidents or intelligence to the Safer Travel team on 07624 818332.