NSW Police launch Operation Waratah 2 in attempt to catch Sydney’s worst public transport offenders

The operation began this month following the success of Operation Waratah earlier this year.

Offenders who engage in “violent activities” on Sydney’s transport network, including trains, buses, ferries and the Sydney Metro, are being targeted.

The police respond to, among other things, the abuse of children, commuters and staff members and incidents involving sexual touching.

Since its inception, police have made a number of arrests.

On Monday, November 25, a 44-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested in Dundas Valley in response to an incident on Tuesday, June 4, in which two unknown people allegedly assaulted a commuter at Strathfield train station before driving him to the edge dragging from the platform and leaving.

The pair were both charged with affray at Gladesville police station and were given strict conditional bail with a court date scheduled for Monday, December 16 at Burwood Local Court.

Also on November 25, a 38-year-old woman was arrested at a house in Penrith, about six months after reports of a fight at Kingswood police station.

On Monday, May 20, officers were told that an unknown woman had allegedly punched a woman in the face on a train, while also threatening her.

She was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with affray, smoke in or on public passenger cars, trains, public places and traveling or attempting to travel without a valid ticket.

The woman was refused bail and faced Penrith Local Court on the same day she was granted conditional bail to return to court on Thursday, January 16.

Police are asking for help to further investigate fifteen violent and sexual incidents.

Images have been released of several people who police say can help.

Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, Commander of Police Transport and Public Safety Command, said police will continue to hold public transport offenders to account.

“More than 200 alleged perpetrators were arrested during the first Operation Waratah earlier this year, marking a significant reduction in the number of violent acts on our network,” he said in a statement.

“However, despite these arrests, there are still members of the public who believe they can attack children, commuters and staff and avoid the consequences.

“Police and NSW Transport have access to more than 17,000 cameras and a wide range of information, so my message to the offenders who are still outstanding is simple. The police will identify you and hold you accountable.