The first phase of Operation Vision IV began on Sunday, and is expected to continue for three months.

It will involve NSW Police Force’s Commuter Crime Unit and specialist resources, including the dog unit, mounted section and highway patrol, as well as RailCorp Transit Officers.

The main focus of the operation will be to reduce the incidence of assault, robbery, alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism on trains by targeting known trouble-spots.

Police and RailCorp Transit Officers will conduct synchronised patrols of trains, railway stations, commuter car parks and transport interchanges, while they will also be able to be rapidly deployed to identified hot-spots.

Previously, Operation Vision has only focused on the Sydney metropolitan rail network; however, this time the operation will be expanded to include Wollongong and surrounding areas, along with Newcastle and the Central Coast.

“We’ve seen in the past just how successful this type of high-impact, high-visibility, concentrated and synchronised policing initiative can be,” said Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens.

“Police and RailCorp’s Transit Officers have teamed-up well previously to bolster the safety and security of Sydney commuters, and I’m certain that cooperative approach will continue and again ensure this new operation is a huge success.”