Some public bus drivers and conductors have seemingly boosted their bus crew in a bid to deter harassment from would-be robbers, who apparently have been on a surge during the volatile Christmas season, THE STAR understands.

Information reaching THE STAR is that in recent weeks, there have been increasing reports of public bus operators being robbed and or assaulted by hoodlums who prey on their daily collections and passengers' valuables.

Checks with several Corporate Area policemen substantiated these reports as our news team was told that such criminal activities - though an increase is expected during this period - are not reserved for any specific route. The police said they have received reports from all divisions, though depending on the location, robberies in some areas may be more frequent than others.

THE STAR learnt of a case almost two weeks ago where a bus which plies the Portmore route was attacked by robbers, and the conductor and all the occupants were robbed of cash, cellphones and jewellery.

A woman who was robbed during that incident told THE STAR, "Mi was so shocked, mi not even bother to report my loss. Mi hear bout this all the while and never know it would reach me, me and mi son a travel on di Portmore bus, only ting mi know two decent looking bwoy start rob di passengers. Dem tek mi phone still and mi son chain, but mi glad we have life and can see Christmas."

THE STAR was told of another incident by a conductor, which he claims took place just last week in the Corporate Area.

Reports are that a fellow conductor, who operates a Coaster bus on routes in and around Kingston, ran from his bus after men who he deemed suspicious got up from their seats and advanced towards him.

THE STAR gathered that the driver of that bus was later assaulted and robbed as our news team understands he was in possession of the cash, allegedly taken from under his seat.

During our investigation, another conductor told THE STAR measures undertaken to combat the on-going robbery.

He said, "A dem time ya mi fear di most as a ducta. A Christmas time and di thief dem a hunt, we afi protect we self, so all three, four side man we afi a work wid, caw tings set a way, dem jus come in like wi full time loader man ... caw di hold day we a work a when di boss fi get him money, we a get rob."

He continued, "Di saddest thing is that some a dem boss ya will pree like a plan or set up thing, so we haffi know weh we a do!"

A senior policeman attached to the St Andrew Central Police Division, when contacted, told THE STAR that he is aware of these practices especially during this period, however, he was not fully aware of the report our news team made mention of.

Ironically, he said, "I know of a case where an off-duty policeman challenged a robber on a bus recently and he was apprehended and taken into custody."