Police nab bus passengers for offences during Operation Ride

Victoria Police swapped their cars for the bus during Operation Ride. Picture: ON FILE

Transit police have arrested two people following Operation Ride in Melbourne’s East.

Transit police officers ride various bus routes including routes 680 – Lilydale to Warburton, and bus route 901 – Ringwood to Knox with a police vehicle following behind, to bolster public safety.

Transit Safety Division Acting Sergeant Kelly Dinnan said their focus is making sure people are not only safe but feel safe wherever and whenever they use public transport.

“We hope our presence on the bus network this week sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

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.

• A 47-year-old male from Croydon for multiple outstanding warrants.

“We also had PSOs patrolling nearby train stations and involved our public transport partners to ensure the safety of commuters,” said Sgt Dinnan.

“We hope our presence on the bus network this week sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Two behaviour offences were also issued, along with five traffic offences.

PSOs patrol all 216 metropolitan trains stations and four regional hubs from 6pm until the last train each night with extra patrols on weekends.