Police have seized 74 weapons during more than 600 high-visibility patrols in a bus network safety blitz alongside Translink across south-east Queensland.
Operation Victor Course was established in April 2023 by Queensland Police Service and Translink, to enhance community safety across south-east Queensland busways including the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan and Moreton regions.
It aims to prevent, disrupt and deter anti-social and criminal behaviour, while supporting the safety of commuters and transport staff.
Police conducting patrols on over-time have conducted more than 4,600 wanding searches and engaged with more than 5,000 bus drivers as part of the ongoing public safety blitz at bus stations and routes from North Lakes to Broadbeach.
Utilising officers on foot, the police ATV, the Bike Squad, Mounted Unit and other assets, the operation has resulted in 692 people charged with an offence since April.
Majority of charges relate to drug offences, weapon offences, breaches of bail, outstanding arrest warrants and more.
In November, 8 knives were seized within a 7-hour period alone during patrols at Upper Mount Gravatt busway.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the high visibility policing presence on busways ensured the safety of bus drivers and passengers as well as patrons frequenting nearby shopping centres and public transport hubs.
"No doubt as school holidays continue people will be using public transport to travel to high traffic areas like shopping centres and lifestyle precincts," Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
"To have removed 74 weapons from the south-east bus network alone is an outstanding effort in protecting these commuters and we are committed to continuing to take dangerous weapons off our streets.
"430 weapons have been seized now state-wide thanks to Jack's Law.
"Police and Translink will continue to be out in force together patrolling busways, to ensure our communities can safely enjoy all Queensland has to offer."
| Operation Victor Course statistics from April 2023 - 3pm January 12 2024 | |
| Number of busway patrols across SEQ (Brisbane North, Brisbane South, Gold Coast, Logan, Moreton) | 610 |
| Number of weapons seized total during busway operations | 74 |
| Number of people charged as a result of operations (both arrested or given NTA) | 692 |
| Number of people wanded total | 4688 |
| Number of bus drivers engaged with total | 5057 |
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
