Transcript - Summary

Police saturated train stations in the western suburbs at the weekend as part of a major crackdown on crime across Melbourne.

Last night's operation is the latest in a range of initiatives already underway to target the rise in street level robberies. This follows on from an operation from Transit Police last week where 95 members cracked down on anti social behaviour on the transit system that resulted in police speaking to 119 people and arresting three people for assault matters.

Uniform, traffic, and transit members, saturated several stations in the western suburbs, including Sunshine, St Albans and Footscray stations.

Police spoke to 228 people, made 16 arrests and issued 54 penalty notices as part of the operation. The Traffic Management unit also checked 411 cars.

Police are warning that future operations targeting other train stations across Melbourne will take place, and they are sending a strong message to offenders that their actions will not be tolerated.

Operation Safe Stations was announced by Chief Commissioner Simon Overland in response to an increase in street level robberies, where he stated it was unfortunate that international students, particularly Indian students, had been caught up in the broader issue of street robberies.

Footscray's Senior Sergeant Dave Byrt said police also targeted commuters as they walked away from train stations and nearby car parks and provided them with advice and personal safety tips on how to minimise the risk of becoming a victim.

"Wallets, cameras and mobile phones should be kept out of sight, and if a commuter thinks they're being followed, they should cross to the other side."

"A huge amount of police resources, time and effort has been dedicated to this operation in a bid to tackle this problem."

Anyone who may have witnessed an incident or who has any information in relation to their local station is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.

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