Hannah Hammoud
Fifteen people were arrested and seven weapons seized as part of Operation Pentagon which targeted three train stations, including two in Brimbank, last week.
Police conducted Operation Pentagon to target crime at Sunshine, Watergardens and Werribee railway stations from April 2-4.
Transit Safety Division Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Wilson said these targeted operations help police to detect and deter offending across the public transport network and send a clear message that crime will not be tolerated.
“This operation saw Transit police members, with support from Public Order Response Team and local divisional resources patrol in and around several of our major western suburbs public transport hubs – including Sunshine Railway Station,” he said.
“We also had Transit police riding the train network to ensure the safety of commuters.
“Our focus is making sure people are not only safe but feel safe wherever and whenever they use public transport – so we will continue to have a highly visible presence and conduct these operations at major public transport hubs to boost safety.”
Some of the arrests included a 49-year old female from Deer Park for theft, a 14-year-old boy for possession of a machete and a 15-year-old boy for possession of an axe.
Police also worked with Authorised Officers to detect fare evaders.
Sunshine station has long been a location of concern for local police as a crime hotspot in the municipality and this is the latest of a number of operations at the station.
Following the death of a boy after he was stabbed in May, police executed an operation at Sunshine station with a major crackdown on weapons in the community in July.
Police conducted Omni Operation at the station to detect weapons offences and enhance community safety. Police spoke with more than 3800 people which resulted in five weapons being seized.
