PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF vision and stills of Operation Waratah can be found via Hightail link – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/WfLYOmhH89
Operation Waratah officers have charged 350 people as they target youth and street gangs operating around transport hubs across Sydney.
Operation Waratah 5 was commenced in November 2025 by officers attached to Police Transport Command – with assistance from local police area commands, State Crime Command's Raptor Squad, Youth Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – to target youth and street gangs operating around transport hubs and other public areas.
As part of the operation, police identified hundreds of young people engaging in antisocial gang behaviour in or around transport hubs.
This includes walking around public areas with knives and other weapons, engaging in robberies and thefts, and threatening members of the public.
As a result of this operation, police arrested 350 people resulting in 533 charges, the seizure of 34 knives and other weapons, and 161 drug detections.
Police also issued 345 rail infringements, 136 traffic infringements, and searched 579 people.
Operation Waratah Commander, Superintendent Andrew Evans, said the operation comes at a time when knife and youth crime is at the forefront of public concern.
"Recently we have seen tragic incidents play out on Sydney streets involving young people and knives. This is the exact violence we are trying to prevent by catching these kids early, taking their weapons and putting them before the courts.
"This proactive operation has resulted in hundreds of arrests for robberies, assaults, weapon possession and other offences which have increased the safety of our public transport network and communities" Supt Evans said.
"Operation Waratah won't stop here though. We have gained a significant amount of intel on these groups and plan to continue to target them well past the conclusion of this operation.
"I urge members of the public to not be bystanders when they see antisocial behaviour at railway stations but to contact police. With the public's help we can prevent further violence and tragedies in our communities.
Incidents of note include:
- About 7.40am Wednesday 26 November 2025, Operation Waratah officers and State Crime Command's Raptor Squad officers attended a home on Illaroo Road, Prestons, for a search warrant. During the search, police arrested a 21-year-old man before taking him to Liverpool Station. He was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity. Police will allege in court the man was involved in an armed robbery in Salamander Bay, earlier this year. The man was refused bail and appeared before Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 26 November 2025, where he was further refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
- Between 6.45pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday 25 November 2025, police were called to several armed robberies on trains between Parramatta and Penrith Railway Stations. Officers were told that during the incidents two unknown teenagers allegedly threatened commuters with knives before assaulting them. Following inquiries, Operation Waratah officers attended a home on Kelly Street, Austral, on Thursday 27 November 2025. Upon arrival police arrested a 14-year-old boy before taking him to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with assault with intent to rob in company (two counts), and robbery in company. He was refused bail and appeared before children's court on Friday 28 November 2025. A second 14-year-old boy was also charged with assault with intent to rob in company (two counts), and robbery in company. He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before children's court on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
- On Tuesday 25 Nowember 2025, police were called to a park near Sydenham Railway Station, following reports of an assault. Officers arrived and were told three teenage girls had allegedly physically assaulted a 13-year-old girl before stealing her phone and leaving the scene. The 13-year-old was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in stable condition for further treatment. Following inquiries, Operation Waratah officers attended a home on Faraday Road, Padstow, on Wednesday 26 November 2025. On arrival police arrested a 14-year-old girl before taking her to Bankstown Police Station where she was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of others, steal from person value less than or equal to $2,000, and breach of bail. She was refused bail and appeared before children's court on Thursday 27 November 2025. Investigations to locate the other girls continue.
- About 4pm on Thursday 5 June 2025, police were called to Kingswood Railway Station, following reports of a theft. Officers arrived and were told a group of boys had allegedly threatened a 14-year-old cyclist before stealing his bike and leaving the scene. Following inquiries, about 6.50am on Wednesday 26 November 2025, Operation Waratah officers – with assistance from State Crime Command's Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant at a home on Brotherton Street, South Wentworthville, where they located and seized clothing. Following the search police arrested two boys – both aged 16 – at Granville Police Station. Both boys were charged with robbery in company and were refused bail appearing before children's court on Thursday 27 November 2025. Investigations to locate the other boys continue.
Investigations under Operation Waratah will continue.
If you feel you have been a victim of a crime such as this, contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
