Newcastle Commuters Can Feel Safer With Arrest Of State’s Violent Public Transport Offenders

Novocastrians who commute to Sydney for work can now travel with greater peace of mind after over 200 of NSW’s most violent public transport offenders were arrested and charged under Operation Waratah. The initiative, led by Police Transport Command, was launched in July 2024 to target individuals involved in serious crimes such as assaults, robberies, and sexual offences on our state’s public transport network.

Operation Waratah saw over 200 police officers saturate the public transport system, executing multiple search warrants and Firearm Prohibition Order compliance checks across Sydney. The operation led to the arrest of 227 individuals, resulting in 406 charges for various offences including domestic violence, assault, theft, sexual touching, drug, and weapon offences.

Among the significant finds were shotgun ammunition, a large amount of prohibited drugs, and 23 knives. The successful crackdown on violent offenders has brought relief to commuters and restored a sense of security on Sydney’s public transport.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, Police Transport and Public Safety Commander, praised the operation’s success and issued a stern warning to potential offenders. “This is the first Operation Waratah, but it won’t be the last. We intend to use the full power of the NSW Police to continue to crack down on violent crimes across our public transport network,” he said. “Our officers have made Sydney significantly safer and have brought peace of mind to many victims.”

The operation’s impact is highlighted by several notable incidents:

1. Assault on Schoolgirl: On 1 August 2023, a 16-year-old girl was assaulted at a bus stop in Parramatta. Following extensive inquiries, a 38-year-old man was extradited from Queensland and charged, while a 23-year-old woman involved in the assault had already faced court.
2. Brawl at Parramatta Railway Station: On 10 February 2024, a man assaulted a woman with an empty pram, leading to a brawl. A 24-year-old man and woman were arrested and charged with affray, with the man also facing common assault charges.
3. Knife Chase at Kingwood Railway Station: On 3 May 2024, an older man was seen chasing a younger man with a knife. The 24-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
4. Bus Driver Assault: On 9 January 2024, a bus driver was punched in the face while driving in Winston Hill. A 23-year-old man was later arrested and charged with common assault.
5. Sexual Assault at Edmonson Park Railway Station: On 16 January 2024, a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with sexually touching a woman without her consent.
6. Fake Documents and Fraudulent Activities: On 1 July 2024, police seized fraudulent bank documents and other items from a Parramatta home, leading to the arrest of a 33-year-old man.
7. Man Brandishing Knife: On 1 August 2024, a 38-year-old man was arrested for brandishing a large knife at Surry Hills Light Rail platform.
8. Assault at Penrith Railway Station: On 1 February 2024, a man was assaulted and had his personal items thrown out of a train. A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
9. Fraudulent Activities on Bankstown Train: On 1 August 2024, a 38-year-old man was arrested for possessing fake IDs and prohibited drugs, among other charges.
10. Breach of Bail at Bondi Junction Railway Station: On 31 July 2024, a 37-year-old man was arrested for breach of bail and resisting police.

Assistant Commissioner Hegarty emphasised the ongoing nature of Operation Waratah, ensuring that public safety remains a top priority. “If you are thinking about committing any crime in Sydney’s transport network, don’t. Our police will find you, charge you, and put you before the court.”

The operation’s success has bolstered confidence among Newcastle commuters traveling to Sydney, with the NSW Police committed to maintaining this enhanced security across the transport network.

For more information or to report any incidents, contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.