🚨 Four Arrested, Knives Seized in Redfern Station Blitz

A recent high-visibility police operation targeting knife crime and community safety in Redfern has seen four individuals arrested and two knives seized. Dubbed Operation Ares, the initiative by the NSW Police Force focuses on proactive disruption strategies within public transport hubs.

Between 7am and 5pm yesterday, Wednesday 3 September 2025, officers from the South Sydney Proactive Crime Team, supported by the Police Transport Command Central and Central Metropolitan Region High Visibility Patrol, conducted the extensive operation at Redfern Railway Station and the nearby Waterloo Metro. The operation involved the use of electronic metal-detecting 'wands' to scan commuters, a key preventative measure designed to deter the carrying of illegal weapons.

Operation Ares Results in Redfern

During the day-long blitz, a total of 553 scans were performed. These efforts led to the seizure of two knives and four separate drug detections. Police also conducted 15 Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) checks, two Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches, and four bail compliance checks, reinforcing local law enforcement presence and accountability.

The operation culminated in four arrests:

• A 57-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for drug possession and possession of a knife.
• A 53-year-old man received a court attendance notice for drug possession.
• A 43-year-old woman was issued a court attendance notice for drug possession.
• A 34-year-old man was apprehended on an outstanding warrant.

NSW Police have confirmed that Operation Ares is an ongoing initiative and will continue to be deployed in various locations across the state, aiming to keep communities like Redfern safe.