In a significant crackdown on public transport crime, police have charged 24 people after a three-day operation focused on the Newcastle-Sydney rail line. The initiative, known as Operation Halo, was launched by the Police Transport Command's North Central team to disrupt and prevent criminal activities across key areas of the transport network.
Targeted Efforts Across Multiple Regions
The operation involved officers from Metropolitan Sydney and the Northern Region, who worked collaboratively to target anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, and individuals wanted by police. Between Thursday, February 5, and Saturday, February 7, law enforcement personnel were stationed at strategic locations in Newcastle, Gosford, and Sydney to enhance security and enforcement measures.
Key Findings and Arrests
As a result of the blitz, police conducted knife scans on 961 individuals, leading to the seizure of two knives and 17 drug detections. Additionally, seven firearm prohibition order compliance checks were completed. One notable arrest involved a 35-year-old man who was taken into custody under an outstanding warrant for an alleged knife offence.
Police were conducting knife scanning in Newcastle West around 3pm on Friday, February 6, when they engaged with a man to check on his welfare. Subsequent inquiries revealed that he was wanted on the outstanding warrant. He was arrested and transported to Newcastle Police Station, where the warrant was executed. The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Bail Division Court 2.
Additional Incidents and Charges
In a separate incident, police allegedly located and seized a foldable box cutter from a 23-year-old man during knife scanning outside a shopping centre in Newcastle West at approximately 3.15pm on the same day. The man was issued a court attendance notice for custody of a knife in a public place, marking it as a first offence. He is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Operation Halo underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to maintain safety and order on public transport routes, with a focus on proactive measures like knife scanning and targeted patrols. The collaboration between regional and metropolitan police units highlights a coordinated approach to addressing crime in high-traffic areas.
