Australia COVID LIVE: COVID-19 cases grow in Victoria and NSW as cities enjoy easing of restrictions

NSW Police are cracking down on crime across Sydney’s public transport following the easing of restrictions.

Since Friday, police have arrested 86 people in an operation targeting anti-social behaviour, violence, and the possession of weapons on public transport.

Those arrested were charged with a variety of offences, including assault, possessing prohibited drugs and dealing with proceeds of crime. Officers also issued more than 430 infringement notices, conducted nearly 410 person searches, issued 310 move-on directions and seized 18 prohibited weapons – including knives.

In one case, police were conducting searches in Parramatta on Friday at 3.20pm when they attempted to speak to two men. One of the men ran from the scene, hiding a bag underneath a nearby parked car. The pair, aged 32 and 41, were stopped and the bag retrieved, with officers locating $21,600 cash and prescription medication.

The younger man was issued a court attendance notice for driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period. He is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on next month. The older man was charged with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime and two counts of goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court in December.

“As more people resume travel on public transport and move freely throughout Greater Sydney, our priority is keeping commuters safe and we want all travellers to know that police are here to help,” North West Police Transport Commander Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald said.

“During the two-day operation, the majority of commuters were kind and considerate toward one another and police. Unfortunately, there were a small minority of individuals who put themselves and others at risk with unlawful behaviour and they have been dealt with accordingly.”