Police have arrested 78 people during a two-day operation targeting criminal activity on public transport and surrounding hubs.
Operation Colossus is led by the Police Transport Command (PTC) and sees increased numbers of proactive police deployed to prevent and disrupt violent crimes, anti-social behaviour, and weapon possession on trains, buses, and ferries.
The high-visibility operation also targets the hubs surrounding the transport networks and is aimed at ensuring the safety of all commuters across the state.
On Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December 2023, PTC conducted an operation across the Sydney Metropolitan Region with assistance from police area commands and specialist units.
Results from the two-day operation include: 78 arrests with 101 charges laid; 163 people searched; 197 rail infringements and 107 move-on directions issued; 44 drug detections; 6 knife possession.
Commander of Police Transport Command North West Sector, Superintendent Andrew Evans, says Operation Colossus is an intelligence-led operation that places resources in known hotspots across the city.
“Our priority is making the people feel safe on public transport, and by focusing our resources on these areas, we can effectively disrupt and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour,” Supt Evans said.
“Operation Colossus is not just about law enforcement; it’s about prevention, engaging with commuters, and providing a high-visibility police presence to ensure people feel safe while using public transport.
“The high level of engagement by police involved in this operation has resulted in the disruption of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in known hot spots across the public transport network.”
“We will not tolerate any form of violent crime, knife-related offences, or anti-social behaviour on our transport system, and through Operation Colossus, we are actively targeting those involved in criminal activity and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of passengers.”
Incidents of note include:
* About 1.30pm on Friday (15 December 2023), officers attached to PTC North West attended a Parramatta shopping centre after reports of a man armed with a weapon in the loading dock area. The man was found barricaded behind a door and has lunged at officers with a knife. A taser was deployed and the 46-year-old man was arrested. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being escorted to Auburn Police Station where he was charged with armed with intent commit indictable offence, robbery armed with offensive weapon, assault police, goods in custody, and threaten injury to person with intent prevent lawful detention. The man had allegedly threatened a store employee in the loading dock area and stolen sporting goods. He appeared at Parramatta Bail Court yesterday (Saturday 16 December) where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Wednesday (20 December 2023).
* About 6.50pm on Friday (15 December 2023), officers attached to PTC North Central were patrolling Gosford Railway Station with the assistance of a drug detection dog, when a man was seen to run past the dog and its handler. Following a foot pursuit, the 25-year-old man was arrested on Donnison Street. Officers located the man’s discarded wallet and seized cocaine, proscription medication and cash. He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prescribed restricted substance, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen and hinder police officer in the execution of duty. He is due to appear at Gosford Local Court on Thursday 11 January 2024.
* About 8.20pm on Saturday (16 December 2023), officers attached to PTC North Central attended a licensed premises on Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, and with the assistance of a drug detection dog, spoke to a 39-year-old man. During a search he was found to be in possession of cocaine and cash before being arrested. The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, and deal with property proceeds of crime. He is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 25 January 2024.
