Police patrols on a London bus route have been stepped up after Jewish passengers suffered antisemitic abuse.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said there is now an increased police presence on 102 buses travelling from Golders Green.
The move comes after a man boarded a bus and threatened to “burn the Jews” travelling on it.
Ian Campbell was convicted of a racially aggravated public order offence and jailed for 20 weeks last month.
Campbell’s antisemitic tirade was witnessed by JC journalist Rosa Doherty who reported it to the driver and to police.
In a letter to Ms Doherty this week, Mr Johnson said: “Any experience of crime is unacceptable but hate crime of this nature is particularly appalling.
“It is unacceptable for people in London to face attack on the basis of their faith, or any other characteristic.
Mr Johnson apologised for the failure of the driver to follow correct procedure when Ms Doherty alerted him to the crime.
The driver had refused to stop the bus to allow police to attend and had let Campbell get back after he had alighted.
Police were dispatched to the incident but sent to the wrong location.
Mr Johnson told Ms Doherty: “I understand the frustration that the police response was not what you would have hoped for at the time.
“But I can assure you that both the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and I take antisemitic incidents very seriously.
“Should a passenger ever feel threatened or at risk drivers are given clear instructions to contact the 24/7 bus control room in TfL.”
He said the MPS were working closely with the Community Security Trust to monitor and deal with antisemetic incidents.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh recently visited CST to hear more about the experiences of the Jewish community.
A new strategy to combat hate crime would be published soon, Mr Johnson said.
“One of its aims will be to increase the confidence of Londoner to report such incidents by ensuring they get a good service when they do so.”
