Tweed-Byron Police District launch crackdown on anti-social, criminal behaviour on local bus routes

A blitz on bad behaviour impacting northern NSW bus routes has resulted in a win for the cops – and a concerned community. Here’s what went down.

Tweed-Byron Police District launch crackdown on anti-social, criminal behaviour on local bus routes. Picture: NSW Police Force

Police and state transport authorities have launched a crackdown on the Tweed bus system, declaring criminal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

Transport NSW and the NSW Police Force joined forces to launch the public bus service blitz in recent weeks, with a range of penalty notices issued as a result of the targeted campaign.

The high-visibility operation involved officers from Tweed/Byron Police District boosting patrols on night-time buses, where there have been the highest number of safety incidents.

The operation included patrolling vehicles and bus stops in the Tweed Heads area as well as travelling on North Coast XPTs – attending various train stations along the way.

NSW Police states eight people were issued penalty notices for transport offences, 11 were issued penalty notices for street offences, and 17 people were moved on. One more person was issued an infringement notice for a traffic offence.

Tweed Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell said the local division was ramping up efforts to protect the community on local bus routes. Picture: NewsLocal.

In addition, three people were charged in relation to three separate warrant, alleged breach of bail, and the possession of a graffiti implement offences.

Following the operation, Transport for NSW and NSW Police received positive feedback from those involved including bus and train drivers, and members of the public, according to police.

Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent David Roptell emphasised while the latest operation had concluded successfully, the community could be assured of more action in future.

“We want to remind all passengers using public transport that threatening, offensive or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated, and we urge anyone who sees this type of behaviour to come forward and report it to police,” he said.

“The NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW will remain vigilant in monitoring bus and train services around the Tweed Heads area and will conduct further operations as needed.”

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