Police have launched a major offensive against the growing incidence of assault, vandalism and unruly behaviour on trains and railway stations between Waterfall and Bomaderry.
Code named Vision 3, the offensive is the extension of an ongoing, high-profile operation that has resulted in dozens of arrests since it began in Sydney in February this year.
Launching the initiative at Wollongong Railway Station yesterday, NSW Police Minister David Campbell said undercover police, sniffer dogs, highway patrol officers and general duties officers from the Wollongong, Lake Illawarra and Shoalhaven local area commands, as well as transit officers, would be drafted in to support the operation.
Police based at Sutherland will operate on the South Coast Line north of Waterfall.
A boosted police presence aboard trains will be welcomed by the community and Illawarra commuters in the wake of rising concerns over the lack of security on trains in the region, especially at weekends, and the lack of powers given to transit officers, who have been described by critics as "toothless tigers".
Mr Campbell said Vision 3 was not a knee-jerk reaction to criticism that the Government was not doing enough to keep Illawarra commuters safe.
"This is a high-profile and enduring operation to drive down crime on our trains and lock up crooks," Mr Campbell said.
"A similar operation in Sydney has produced some outstanding results so its now time to expand it to other areas like the Illawarra," he said.
Mr Campbell would not be drawn on suggestions that an increased police presence was needed on the South Coast Line because of a shortage of transit officers and their lack of powers which prevent them from arresting anyone unless they actually see an offence occurring.
"This is not about a reaction to any particular issue, this is all about police seeking to do more," Mr Campbell said.
On Friday, the Illawarra Mercury revealed rail offences in the Illawarra are on the increase with 4523 reported incidents last year - up almost 800 from 2006.
Assistant Police Commissioner Robert May said Vision 3 would mean a significant increase in the number of police officers patrolling South Coast trains and stations throughout any given week.
On Saturday, officers from Vision 3 made one arrest, issued dozens of move-on directions, carried out personal and knife searches and issued many rail infringement notices.
Mr May said the South Coast Line had been identified as needing special patrols, but stressed the line was no better or worse than others.
He said known trouble spots, times and services would get special attention.
"What we want to do is show the community that the cops are there when needed because ridding the community of the fear of crime is just as important as preventing it."
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