Extra police are on the beat in communities with high Muslim populations, including Lakemba and Auburn, and are on the watch for retaliation attacks against Muslims, police have confirmed.
Police in high-visibility jackets have been patrolling prominent public areas such as Circular Quay and Martin Place since Operation Hammerhead was announced on Thursday after raids on several Sydney properties.
Superintendent Mark Walton said the security effort extended beyond football finals and city railway stations.
"This isn't a CBD-based operation, it's across the whole metropolitan area," he said. "That means all locations of interest but doesn't mean police are going to stand guard at any one or two particular locations."
Extra police were patrolling "areas of gathering that may have some religions concern" in the city's north-west and south-west, including Saturday's Auburn Festival.
Superintendent Walton said police were expected to increase their presence at a time of heightened alert.
"There's absolutely nothing specific that we're addressing at this time. However, part of policing is responding to information that may arise," Superintendent Walton said. "It's certainly not a PR stunt."
