Party’s over …Constable Stephen Grey empties a beer bottle seized from a man caught drinking at Sunshine station as part of Operation Guardian. 59063Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Belinda Nolan
Brimbank police, along with members of the Transit Police and Operations Response unit, flooded the station and surrounding streets on Wednesday as part of Operation Guardian.
Operation Guardian is an initiative aimed to reduce crimes against international students.
More than 100 people were questioned or searched, with police confiscating two machetes, two knives and cannabis.
Four people were charged with weapons offences, while a fifth was given a warning for carrying drugs.
Ten people were detected speeding, 11 were caught driving without seatbelts and six driving while unlicensed or disqualified.
Police checked 69 cars, conducted 65 breath tests and visited 42 businesses during the one-day blitz, which ran between 3pm and 10pm.
Brimbank Acting Inspector Paul Allinson said police were concerned commuters were continuing to arm themselves to travel on public transport, despite strong penalties.
“It is a worry because it demonstrates people naively think they can explain or justify carrying a weapon – but the truth is you simply can’t,” he said.
Acting Insp Allinson said it was not unusual for police to catch commuters carrying weapons during operations.
“Obviously, the machetes are particularly concerning because of the type of injury they can inflict,” Acting Insp Allinson said.
“They are a dangerous weapon and carrying them on public transport is just ridiculous.
“Anyone who arms themselves with these can expect very harsh penalties because they are the types of weapons that are readily associated with serious assaults – and there is just no legitimate reason for carrying them.”
But Acting Insp Allinson said carrying a kirpan, a type of dagger, was permitted for Sikhs for ceremonial reasons.
“Overall, we’re pleased with the results of the operation and particularly the opportunity to engage with the community,” he said.
“Operation Guardian demonstrates that we are taking a proactive approach to protecting our community and keeping it safe.”
