Police have arrested 18 people during a Police Transport Command operation targeting retail theft and property-related offences in the Mt Druitt CBD, NSW Police say.
Operation Disrupt was conducted by the North-West Sector of the Police Transport Command with the assistance of the PTC North West Bike Unit and PTC North West Transport Action Group.
It was a planned operation combining high visibility and plain clothes police targeting retail theft and property-related offences in the Mt Druitt CBD and anti-social behaviour on the rail and transport network in the Mt Druitt Police Area Command.
The operation started at 2.30pm and ended at 9pm, Thursday 31 May 2018.
The operation resulted in 18 people being after allegedly committing retail theft offences.
Court attendance notices were issued to seven people for stealing offences.
Criminal infringement notices were issued to six people for stealing offences.
Five juveniles were detected for stealing offences and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
In addition to this, police arrested three men aged between 18, 31 and 39 with several offences including failing to comply with a move-on direction, resist arrest x 2, stealing, escaping lawful custody, and breach of bail.
Additional results include: 21 person searches with nine move-on directions issued.
Goods worth $900 were stolen during the operation, with all property recovered.
"Yesterday’s operation was a proactive response to concerns by business owners and the local community with crimes such as these," Detective Acting Superintendent Bradley Monk said.
"We will continue to target local crime issues, utilising local police resources and this sort of criminal behaviour will not be tolerated."
Similar operations will be conducted in the future.
Police are reminding shoppers to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft:
* Be mindful of your handbags, wallets and purses
* Always keep your bag zipped up
* Keep cash and valuables in your bag to a minimum
* Do not leave prams and trolleys unattended
* Be alert – especially at ATMs
* Avoid carrying large sums of cash
* Don’t put your bag on top of your car while unloading shopping.
Police are also reminding commuters to take extra precautions while falling asleep on the train to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.
