CUTS to public services have been blamed for a rise in antisocial behaviour which saw four teens hijack a bus.

Labour councillor for Bargate, John Noon, fears this is part of a wider trend of violence in the city.

His words come after a group of four Southampton teenagers, three aged 15 and one 13, were arrested after a Bluestar bus on Palmerston Road was stolen just before 5pm on Monday.

The bus crashed into a sign shortly after it was taken.

Cllr Noon said: “There has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in the last few years throughout the city and throughout the country and part of the reason is cuts to many areas of public service including the police.

“It is concerning and a national concern because people no longer feel as safe as they use to do.”

He added: “It’s up to the bus companies to make sure the buses are secure when they’re parked.”

All four boys were arrested on suspicion of stealing a motor vehicle. One 15-year-old was also held on suspicion of having class B drugs. All were released under investigation.

Andy Shaw, Bluestar operations manager said: “Sadly, one of our buses was vandalised (on Monday) whilst in Southampton city centre. Thankfully, nobody was injured.”

Bluestar added it is reviewing CCTV from the bus and is assisting police, who are investigating the incident.

Mr Shaw added: “The safety of our drivers and passengers is our top priority, and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour. Once the perpetrators have been identified, we will be seeking prosecution.”

A Hampshire police spokesman said confirmed an investigation is underway.

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