Police conduct a weapons search at Footscray railway station.
By Charlene Gatt
COMMUTERS at Footscray train station were subject to random weapons searches last week in a police crackdown on carrying weapons in public places.
Around 40 police from Footscray station, the Operational Response Unit and the Transit Safety Division used walk-through metal detectors and hand-held wands in a four-hour blitz as part of Operation Omni.
The three-week blitz, which runs until 2 September, is focusing on drugs, alcohol, anti-social behaviour, theft and other crime across the public transport network.
It aims to prevent weapon-related crime by removing knives and other weapons from the community.
Police seized two knives, an imitation pistol and pocket knives.
Police also arrested two people on outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court.
Victoria Police has declared Footscray train station a designated area for a weapons search under the Control of Weapons Act.
Transit Safety Division Acting Inspector Craig Shiell was pleased with the results.
“From when we first started these weapons searches 18 months ago, we’ve found that the number of people carrying weapons has declined,” he said. “People are starting to realise that it’s not acceptable to carry weapons on the public transport system, and that’s a positive thing.
“We know that the vast majority of people traveling on public transport do the right thing.
“But, there is a small number who think that it’s okay to behave in an anti-social way and impact on the safety of other travellers.
“If you carry a weapon on public transport, you are in fact placing yourself in increased danger.
“If you carry a knife or any other weapon, chances are that sooner or later you are going to use it – and it could get used against you.”
Acting Insp Shiell said anyone caught carrying a prohibited weapon in a public place faced a $1000 fine.
