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.
Transit Safety Division Acting Sergeant Kelly Dinnan said police 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,“ she said.
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 and 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 public transport partners to detect fare evaders.
Ms Dinnan said they hoped police presence on the bus network sent a clear message to the community that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
PSOs patrol all 216 metropolitan trains stations and four regional hubs from 6pm until the last train each night with extra patrols on weekends.
