Transit police have arrested two people in a first of its kind operation targeting anti-social behaviour on the bus network in Melbourne’s east.
Operation Ride saw Transit police officers ride various bus routes in the area, with a police vehicle following behind, to bolster public safety.
It included bus routes 608 – Lilydale to Warburton, and bus route 901 – Ringwood to Knox.
The two-day operation took place on 5 and 6 September, with police highly visible to detect and deter crime on the network and enhance public safety.
The arrests included:
• A 30-year-old male from Boronia for possessing a drug of dependence and weapons.
• A 47-year-old male from Croydon for multiple outstanding warrants.
Two behaviour offences were also issued, along with five traffic offences.
Police also worked with our public transport partners to detect fare evaders.
In addition, PSOs patrolled nearby train stations to keep the train network safe and to ensure the safety of commuters.
PSOs patrol all 216 metropolitan trains stations and four regional hubs from 6pm until the last train each night with extra patrols on weekends.
Attributable to Transit Safety Division Acting Sergeant Kelly Dinnan
“Our focus is making sure people are not only safe but feel safe wherever and whenever they use public transport.”
“This operation saw transit police members tasked to the east – riding various bus routes to detect and deter anti-social behaviour on-board the bus network and reassure the community.”
“We also had PSOs patrolling nearby train stations and involved our public transport partners to ensure the safety of commuters.”
“We hope our presence on the bus network this week sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”
