NSW Police have taken more than 90 unlawful weapons off the streets and conducted 34 high-visibility wanding operations in an effort to reduce knife crime.
Legislation introduced December last year allows NSW Police officers to use handheld scanners or metal-detecting ‘wands’ to detect weapon, without a warrant.
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Under the legislation, police can scan people for knives or weapons without a warrant in the following areas:
- Public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds
- Public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated station
- Shopping precincts
- Dertain sporting venues
- Other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.
There have been 34 operations carried out across the state in Sydney CBD, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Bomaderry, Albury and Lavington.
In total, 4147 people have been scanned, with 91 unlawful weapons seized, and 67 people have been charged with 71 weapons offences laid.
Police have seized an array of weapons including Tasers, sling shots, knuckle dusters, machetes, and folding and kitchen knives.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said “The number of weapons that have been seized already is shocking.”
“To have taken almost 100 knives and other weapons off our streets is as horrifying as it is important.”
“Our tough knife laws are working and getting weapons out of our community.”
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