PLAIN clothes and high-visibility patrols are operating on the E3 bus service, which runs from Greenford to Chiswick, after complaints from residents and bus users.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are also travelling on the route and patrolling outside schools, including Acton High School and Twyford High School, in Acton.

Problems reported on the popular route include robbery and rowdy behaviour. Police say 75 per cent of incidents happen between 4pm and 8pm, which is when they are patrolling.

Sergeant Phil Norcutt, of the Acton Central Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "The E3 has become an increasing problem in recent months, with residents reporting more anti-social behaviour and an average of three robberies a month on there.

"What we really want to do is make the buses more secure for people and make the youngsters aware of how their behaviour may be affecting old people and mothers with prams when they get on buses."

The operation will be going on for the rest of this week and will resume after the half-term break.