By Perry Duffin
Attacks on teens and the elderly with hammers and broken bottles, sexual violence, even dragging a woman toward the tracks – these are the faces of 16 people sought by NSW Police investigating incidents across Sydney’s transport network.
Investigators this month launched a statewide blitz dubbed Operation Waratah to round up those believed to be behind disturbing incidents on the public and transport workers on the city’s trains and buses.
“These offenders are targeting some of our most vulnerable passengers thinking that they can get away with it. Operation Waratah is here to prove they cannot,” Superintendent Andrew Evans, Commander of Police Transport Command North West Sector told the Herald.
“The physical and emotional damage these offenders inflict on members of the public is criminal.”
Each of the alleged incidents took place over the past 12 months, and include allegations of physical and sexual violence. None of the people shown have been charged.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said Waratah was already picking names, card numbers, addresses and faces out of the CCTV and databanks of the transport networks.
“This sort of behaviour or violent behaviour on the network is unacceptable. People who’ve got the right to be on the network have a right to feel safe,” the state’s top transport officer said on Monday.
Hegarty said the transport command’s 200 officers were getting some of the highest prosecution rates, and were planning to “visit the homes” of the worst offenders very soon.
Police have urged anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.