The NSW Police Force has launched a major operation to target knife crime across the state, resulting in the seizure of dozens of weapons and the arrest of numerous individuals.
Operation Targets Knife Crime and Related Offences
The operation, which involved over 400 police officers, was launched to tackle the rising tide of knife-related crimes in NSW. The initiative was inspired by the success of Queensland’s Jack’s Law, which was introduced following a spate of high-profile knife crimes.
- The operation targeted designated areas where knife offences have taken place in the past, using metal-detecting wands to detect weapons.
- The NSW Police Force used the new powers granted to them to search commuters at transport hubs and designated areas.
Key Seizures During the Operation
* A 40cm machete was allegedly thrown over a backyard fence by a 17-year-old fleeing police southeast of Canberra. * Two knives and methamphetamine were seized from a 37-year-old man at Bondi Junction, days out from the first anniversary of a mass stabbing which killed six people at a nearby shopping centre. * Two knives were found on a 15-year-old who allegedly stole a food delivery rider’s scooter at South Coogee in Sydney’s east on Thursday night. * Police also seized items including machetes, cleavers, folding knives, a gun and drugs.
Other Offences Targeted by the Operation
The operation also targeted other offences, including drug supply charges. Two 18-year-olds were found in a Ford ute carrying 14 small bags of cocaine and $1550 in cash at Bondi on Friday.
| Location | Offence | Amount/Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bondi Junction | Two knives and methamphetamine | Not specified |
| Bondi | Two 18-year-olds with 14 small bags of cocaine and $1550 in cash | $1550 |
| Woolgoolga | Drugs and a knife | Not specified |
NSW Laws Modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law
The NSW laws were modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, which was introduced following a spate of high-profile knife crimes. The new laws grant police the power to use metal-detecting wands to detect weapons in designated areas.
Community Response
The community has welcomed the new laws and the operation to tackle knife crime. Residents in the affected areas have expressed their support for the initiative, citing the need for a stronger response to the growing problem.
Police Conduct Wand Searches
NSW Police conducted wand searches on commuters at transport hubs as part of the major operation. The searches were carried out using metal-detecting wands to detect weapons.
Key Takeaways
* Dozens of weapons, including machetes, cleavers, folding knives, a gun, and drugs, were seized during the operation. * The operation targeted designated areas where knife offences have taken place in the past. * The NSW Police Force used metal-detecting wands to detect weapons in designated areas. * The operation also targeted other offences, including drug supply charges. * The community has welcomed the new laws and the operation to tackle knife crime.
Definitions
*
: The use of knives as a means of committing an offence. *
: A Queensland law that introduced metal-detecting wands to detect weapons in designated areas.
Quoted Statements
“The operation was a significant success, and we are proud to have made a positive impact on the community.”
– NSW Police Force
“We welcome the new laws and the operation to tackle knife crime.
