Police have arrested and charged 24 people and seized several knives and replica firearms in a two-day transport safety blitz.
Operation Disrupt, conducted by officers attached to the Police Transport Command, is a proactive, intelligence-driven operation aimed at disrupting and preventing crime and improving community safety across the public transport network and surrounds.
Operation Disrupt ran between 1.30pm Friday 21 June 2024 and 12.30am Sunday 23 June 2024, targeting the north-west metropolitan area, with assistance from the Dog Unit.
During the Operation, police arrested and charged 24 people with 31 offences.
Police conducted 73 searches, seizing seven knives, two replica firearms, prohibited drugs and various items suspected of being stolen.
Incidents of note included:
- About 4.30pm on Friday 21 June 2024, officers observed a 43-year-old woman attempt to evade police at Bringelly Road, Kingswood, and discarded her bag before being stopped. Police searched the bag and allegedly located a replica firearm. The woman was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station, where she was charged with possess unauthorised pistol. She was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 22 June 2024.
- About 4.35pm on Friday 21 June 2024, officers responded to reports a person was carrying what appeared to be a firearm on a train from Riverstone. Police intercepted the 15-year-old boy at Quakers Hills railway station and located a replica firearm with replica ammunition. The 15-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Riverstone Police Station, where he was charged with possess unauthorised firearm. He was bail refused to appear before a children’s court on Saturday 22 June 2024, where he was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
- About 4pm on Saturday 22 June 2024, police were patrolling the vicinity of Rouse Hill Metro Train Station and engaged a 31-year-old man. He was searched and police allegedly located a multi-tool, including a knife, and a hammer. He was issued a field court attendance notice for custody of knife in public place and is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Police Transport Command North West Inspector Scott Carr said the operation was a success.
“The focus of this operation was to increase community safety on the public transport network through intelligence driven policing and it has been highly successful,” Insp Carr said.
“The Police Transport Command will continue to work cooperatively with the community and our partner agencies to target those who carry weapons, commit criminal offences and impact upon the safety and comfort of the travelling public.”
