Acting Senior Sergeant Mick Wright, Constable Alanna Goldsack, Constable Matt McCormack, Constable Thomas Cram patrol Narre Warren Railway Station as part of Operation Safe Stations 2. 84248 Picture: Meagan Rogers
By Lia Bichel
POLICE have rolled out a four-week operation in an effort to get tough on crime at train stations across Casey.
Operation Safe Stations 2 began on Monday targeting all crime at and surrounding train stations throughout the municipality.
The move comes after a successful Safe Station Operation in Casey last year.
Acting Senior Sergeant Mick Wright from Endeavour Hills Police Station said police would crack down on thefts from vehicles, thefts of vehicles and assaults as a result of a recent spike in crime at train stations,
Sen Sgt Wright said train stations were often “easy pickings” for crime, especially theft from vehicles, because there were many cars parked at stations during the day.
“We want to boost safety and interact with the public,” Sen Sgt Wright said.
“We also want to take this time to ask the public to remember to remove valuables from their cars and lock their doors.”
Sen Sgt Wright said there would be a minimum of one unit, consisting of two or three police members, patrolling stations in their vehicle or on foot as part of the operation. They will also be assisted by transit police and members of the Safe Suburb Taskforce located at Dandenong.
The police operation will finish on 10 August before the commencement of National Rail Safety Week which runs from 13 August to 19 August.
Rail Safety Week aims to educate communities about rail safety and each year.
Major rail operators, track owners and government agencies conduct safety activities across Australia to educate communities on how to behave safely at and around railways.
