Police in the east target bus network in new operation

The Herald Sun joined transit police officers on the front line as they collared fare evaders and those who have been dodging the long arm of law.

Police officers and public transport safety officers boarded buses in the eastern suburbs during Operation Ride.

Police flooded public transport in Melbourne’s east during a major operation to catch fair evaders, while also picking up several people who had warrants out for their arrest.

The Herald Sun joined police and public transport safety officers during

Operation Ride on April 9 and 11.

During the operation, officers and PSO’s would board the bus network, with police following behind.

Acting Sergeant Kelly Dinnan said the six people were arrested during the blitz, calling it a “great success.”

“We have had some really good results from this operation and great feedback from community members,” Sgt Dinnan said.

Police officers boarding a bus in the eastern suburbs.

“We had one shoplifter we were able to catch when they tried to get on a bus with stolen goods from the shopping centre.”

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested on burglary charges and a 48-year-old Dandenong man was pulled in over an alleged assault.

Sgt Dinnan said police officers and protective services officers were taking a proactive approach to policing.

“We want to have a visible police presence,” she said.

“Anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated.”

Train stations, shopping centres and other crime hotspots will be targeted during Operation Ride.

Operation Ride will continue to target crime hotspots on the public transport network such as bus stations near the Knox City Shopping Centre, Eastland and railway stations.

“We are closely watching where the crimes are taking place and increasing our presence in those areas,” Sgt Dinnan.

“Operation Ride is not just focusing on train stations, we will be all over the east patrolling the bus network.”

According to Crime Statistics Victoria, councils in the eastern suburbs recorded more than 138 offences on buses and at bus stops in the year ending December 2023.

A total of 900 offences on all forms of public transport were recorded in the Maroondah, Knox, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges council areas in the same period.

In addition to Operation Ride police and PSOs will continue to patrol the train network.

PSOs patrol all metropolitan trains stations and four regional hubs from 6pm until the last train each night with extra patrols on weekends.