There were 295 instances of bus-related crime in Havering last year, according to new statistics released by Transport for London (TfL).

The figures include 8 drug offences, 17 sexual offences and 33 cases of criminal damage.

Almost half of crimes reported – 134 – were for incidences of violence against the person, while a further 89 reports were for theft and handling.

Across London there has been an overall decrease in crime on buses from the previous financial year of 5.7 per cent.

But, in Havering there were only two fewer crimes than the year before.

Despite that, the borough had the seventh lowest number of bus-related crimes, with only Bexley, Harrow, Kingston Upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton and Merton recording fewer offences.

Det Chief Supt Paul Rickett, of the roads and transport policing command, said: “These fantastic crime reduction figures are down to robust policing, quality engagement with the public and strong partnership working.

“However, any crime is one too many and together we will continue to safeguard the travelling public from criminals.”

Across the capital, there was also a reduction in crime on the Underground, the DLR and the Overground. Across the entire TfL network, crime fell by 8.3pc – seven offences per million journeys.

The announcement of the reduction in crime comes as the TfL network acquired several new Overground branches and the TfL Rail route from Liverpool Street to Shenfield at the weekend.