Public transport crackdown nabs a fare evader every minute

A major crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Sydney this morning found one person rode a train without a ticket every minute of the five-hour police operation.

At Liverpool a group of teens sleeping on board trains were warned about having their feet on seats before it was discovered they did not have tickets.

One of the teenagers was a 13-year-old reported missing by her mother two days ago, who was also due in court today in relation to a stolen car.

New mobile devices make criminal history checks easier, but it was fare evasion that attracted the most offenders.

During the five-hour operation, 461 people were issued fines for not holding a valid ticket.

Operation Avoidance ranged from Newcastle to Wollongong and out to Penrith.

"If you want to break the law on the transport network expect the police to get you," Police Minister Stuart Ayres said.

Police say offenders tend to take risks on short trips, often in the early morning or late at night, assuming authorities will not be around to catch them.

Since the Police Transport Command's inception in 2012, 120,000 people have been issued fines.

Detective Inspector Todd Cunningham said crime rates are also on the decline.

"Especially around robberies, assaults and also steal from persons," he said.