More than 170 people have been arrested during the NSW Police Transport Command’s latest campaign targeting transport network offenders, bringing the total Operation Waratah arrests to 833 since its inception last year.
Operation Waratah was established to target violent offenders using Sydney’s transport network, and those committing offences on public transport.
Since its launch, Operation Waratah officers have laid a total of 1474 charges and seized 90 knives, with the latest campaign – Operation Waratah 4 – resulting in the arrest of 176 people and 326 charges laid.
The planning phase of this latest campaign commenced in May 2025, with an operational phase of 150 officers deployed to arrest and disrupt offenders at transport hubs between 11 June to 14 June 2025.
Latest results include:
- 536 trains patrolled
- 10 knives seized
- 385 people searched
- Eight vehicles searched
- 201 move-on directions issued
- 60 drug detections made
- 149 bail compliance checks conducted
- 41 people arrested for breaching bail or outstanding warrants, and
- 377 rail infringements issued.
Police Transport North West Commander, Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans, praised the efforts of officers during the operation.
“Everyone using our public transport system deserves to feel safe and the fact more than 170 people have been arrested demonstrates the NSW Police’s commitment to commuter safety,” Supt Evans said.
“With 10 knives seized during this most-recent campaign, it’s evident that proactive operations such as Waratah 4 are effective in removing those weapons, identifying those responsible and putting them before the court.
“While Waratah 4 has concluded, police will continue to proactively patrol Sydney’s public transport network and conduct further high-visibility operations,” he said.
