Next time you get on a bus in Brighton and Hove you may find yourself sitting next to the long arm of the law.

Bobbies are taking to public transport and "riding shotgun" to combat rowdiness and vandalism and to get to know the public.

Superintendent Graham Cox, the new head of Hove and Shoreham division, expects some resistance to the idea.

He said: "It is a very useful exercise and I am encouraging officers to use buses whenever possible for all non-urgent journeys.

Excellent "I use buses a lot and we are lucky to have an excellent service in the Brighton and Hove area.

"There is no reason why we should not take full advantage of it.

"In addition, it could save the use of a police car and cut unnecessary expense and pollution."

Mr Cox met Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, yesterday to discuss problems faced by drivers.

The meeting followed complaints from residents about rowdy youths intimidating passengers and damaging buses on routes in Mile Oak and Southwick.

Incidents included a driver being shot with a ball-bearing gun and damage to vehicles.

Mr Cox said he had also been told about a gang of three boys, aged about 12, running on and off a bus and lying in front of it at Southwick Square.

On Saturday buses were stoned at the junction of Coldean Lane and Lewes Road in Brighton. A window was smashed every day last week.

Today, Mr French gave his backing to police hopping on his services.

"I think it's a great idea and I'm all in favour. People want to see more police around and it is an excellent way for officers to travel."

Police will ride for free while on duty but there will be no concessions when they are on private business or travelling to and from work.

PCs Tim Johnson and Mick Gavin, based at Hove, use buses to get around the area while they are working and have received a very positive response to the initiative.

PC Johnson said: "Passengers are surprised to see us using the buses and we get the odd crack about losing our car.

"But mainly they are pleased to see uniformed officers out and about. The bus drivers feel safer."

PC Gavin added: "Last week we used a bus to help catch a suspect we had seen while we were on foot.

"He was about 500 yards ahead of us. We caught the next bus, overtook him and were able to stop and question him.

"It turned out he was wanted in connection with a burglary and we were able to arrest him."