Metrobus has warned it could pull its buses out of Broadfield after enduring a week of vandalism which culminated in a passenger being hurt.
On Sunday and Monday evenings (October 12 and 13) four buses were pelted with objects, leaving two windows smashed and one passenger with facial injuries.
The first attack happened in Pelham Drive at 6.45pm when a hockey ball smashed through one of the windows.
Police and paramedics were called and a woman, aged in her 40s, was taken to East Surrey Hospital by paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Later that evening, a second bus, this time in Coachmans Drive, was struck by a hockey ball which shattered one of its windows.
Luckily, no one was hurt in this incident, which happened at around 8.10pm.
The attacks continued on Monday when objects were thrown at buses at Broadfield Barton and Creasys Drive at 7pm and 7.30pm.
No damage was done and no one was hurt.
Metrobus operations manager Ian Coyle said drivers had endured a week of such “mindless vandalism” in Broadfield and Bewbush.
He said: “Over the past week we have had several incidents of mindless vandalism towards our bus services operating in the Broadfiled and Bewbush area of Crawley.
“We have suffered broken windows, eggs being thrown at buses and we had two buses hit by hockey balls resulting in a passenger in one of the buses being injured.
“This is very upsetting and our primary thoughts are with this passenger.”
When asked if the company was considering adjusting or stopping any of its routes following the vandalism, Mr Coyle said: “At this time we are aiming to run normal bus services in these areas but we will be reviewing this if we get any further incidents.
“The last thing we want to do is remove services and affect the general public but we have to put safety first.”
Metrobus has provided CCTV footage to Sussex Police in an attempt to catch the people responsible.
Mr Coyle added: “We will be pushing for the offenders to be prosecuted once apprehended.
“These incidents of unwanted mindless acts of anti-social behaviour need to be eradicated.”
District Commander Chief Inspector Justina Beeken said: “Extra patrols have been set up in the area and the neighbourhood policing team for Broadfield are working on these incidents as a matter of priority.
“The buses have not been the only victims, a delivery van was also targetted.
“There has also been incidents of criminal damage, fire and other vehicles have also had objects thrown at them.
“We are working closely with the bus company to find those responsible.”
Police said they were investigating a number of incidents from Sunday night, which they believed may have been linked to a group of youths who were seen in the area.
In Balmoral Court, a tree was set alight and a fence was broken down.
And in Broadfield Barton, a bin cupboard was set on fire close to the Imperial public house at around 9.20pm.
CI Beeken said: “Anyone with information, please contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1159 of 12/10.
“Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”