A new operation by Lancashire County Council's Safer Travel Unit aims to halt a rise in vandalism to bus shelters.
The Safer Travel Unit is a partnership between Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Police to fight anti-social behaviour and crime on the bus network and help people travel safely and easily.
The team is appealing to residents to quickly report any new damage and report offenders using an anonymous hotline.
PCSO Faye Kellet, from the STU, said: "Unfortunately, there has been an increase in vandalism to bus shelters in Skelmersdale.
"It's important that people feel safe using public transport and this is a problem we're determined to tackle.
"We're asking people in Skelmersdale to help themselves and their neighbours by speaking up to help us catch these criminals - we stand a much better chance of success if people help by reporting vandalism as soon as it occurs.
"We also need intelligence about who might be behind the distinctive spray paint tags left by many vandals as a calling card."
West Lancashire Borough Council has invested a considerable amount of money in Skelmersdale over the last few years by installing new shelters and upgrading existing ones.
Councillor Val Hopley, portfolio holder for Community Safety at West Lancashire Borough Council, said: “We are committed to supporting the Safer Travel Unit as we want everyone to feel safe when they use public transport, not only in Skelmersdale but right across Lancashire.
“Many of the bus shelters in Skelmersdale are owned by the borough council and every time one is damaged, taxpayers are counting the cost of the repairs. By encouraging people to report any damage they find and hopefully catch the perpetrators as well.”
Reporting transport-related trouble is now easier than ever following the launch of a text message service launched earlier this year.
To report an incident, just text BUS to 82070 with details of the incident, location and, if applicable, the bus route. You can also telephone the Safer Travel Unit on 0845 053 0040 or online at www.safertravelunit.co.uk.
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