NSW Police have praised the actions of a victim whose quick thinking has led to the arrest of her alleged attacker.
Police appealed for public assistance and released CCTV images yesterday (Wednesday 24 July 2019) as part of Operation Artemis – an investigation into a series of alleged indecent assaults on Sydney’s public transport network.
About 6pm on Friday 17 August 2018, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly indecently assaulted by a man on a train travelling to Auburn from St James Railway Station in the Sydney CBD.
The 19-year-old woman managed to use her smartphone to take a photograph of her alleged attacker and provide the image to police.
Around 4pm yesterday, just a few hours after their public appeal, officers from the Police Transport Command North West arrested a 39-year-old man outside a home in Auburn.
He was taken to Auburn Police Station and charged with assault with act of indecency.
The man was granted conditional bail, to appear before Burwood Local Court on Thursday 15 August 2019.
Commander of the Police Transport Command’s North West Sector, Detective Superintendent Brad Monk, said the woman’s efforts significantly aided the investigation.
“I want to acknowledge the victim’s brave and clever act in discreetly capturing an image of her alleged attacker, ultimately leading to yesterday’s arrest.
“I encourage anyone who may have been a victim of crime on our transport network to report the incident, so police can act.”
Operation Artemis officers continue to investigate other, unrelated incidents of women being indecently assaulted on Sydney’s public transport network.
“We remind the public that any such information provided to police will be treated with the strictest of confidence,” Supt Monk said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
