Police are hunting these nine suspected bus vandals as part of a massive CCTV operation which has chalked up nearly 3,000 arrests in four years.

Operation Bus Tag works closely with a team of 70 CCTV analysts from London's 23 bus operators who scrutinise thousands of hours every year to pin point images of crimes being committed on buses.

Now having proved a success in its drive to cut crimes such as graffiti and arson, the TfL funded operation is set to target thieves and pick-pockets.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Londoners deserve to travel on buses that are free of foul scribblings and in a condition that will make them a pleasure to use.

"The officers working on Bus Tag have done a remarkable job of reducing these offences and I am gladdened by the news that they will also now focus their talents on detecting petty theft and abusive passengers."

Since its launch in 2004, the Met run operation has quadrupled the arrest rate for criminal damage on buses and has a 95 per cent conviction rate, with sentences ranging from fines and community service to imprisonment.

The latest police figures from April to June 2008/9 show bus related criminal damage has reduced by a quarter compared to the year before.

Steve Burton, Transport for London's director of community safety enforcement and policing, said: "While crime on London's buses is low and getting lower, we know there is always more that can be done.

"We are delighted by the success of Operation Bus Tag and that this team will be extending its remit, targeting those criminals who abuse our staff."

Suspect one (13710) Graffiti on route 111 on May 14. Boarded at The Avenue at 5.37pm and alighted at Hounslow Road at 5.47pm.

Suspect two (13858A) Etching on windows on route 111 on May 7. Boarded at Hanworth Road at 3.28pm and alighted at The Avenue at 3.39pm.

Suspect three (13854) Etching on windows on route 111 on May 19. Boarded at Bath Rd A4 at 9.55am and alighted Hampton Court Lane at 10.46pm.

Suspects four, five and six (13218A/B/C) Seat graffiti on route 267 on March 13. Boarded at Brentford Leisure Centre at 4.56pm and alighted Chiswick Police Station at 5.05pm.

Suspect seven (14176) Graffiti on route 111 on July 30. Boarded at Hanworth road at 4.19pm and alighted at Hampton Court Road at 4.41pm.

Suspect eight (14425) Graffiti on route H98 on June 9. Boarded at The Bell at 4.57pm and alighted at Station Road at 5.27pm.

Suspect nine (14175) Etching on windows on route 111 on July 27. Boarded at Hanworth Road at 3.20pm and alighted at Bentall Centre, Kingston at 3.56pm.

Anyone with information about the above incidents can call DC Trevor Holden 020 70278950 quoting the reference numbers.

The people in these pictures are not necessarily connected to the incidents and their presence may be entirely innocent.