New South Wales Authorities Seize 91 Knives and Machetes Using Enhanced Wanding Powers: ‘You Will Be Apprehended’
Police have utilized electronic metal detecting ‘wands’ to scan over 4,000 individuals for knives and dangerous weapons.
New South Wales (NSW) police have confiscated more than 90 knives, machetes, and other dangerous weapons from the streets under the government’s new wanding powers.
NSW Police can use electronic metal-detecting “wands” to stop and scan individuals without a warrant in public areas.
Under these wanding powers, police have confiscated various weapons including knives, tasers, slingshots, knuckle dusters, machetes, and folding kitchen knives.
During 34 operations across the city and rural areas of NSW, police have scanned 4,147 people, seized 91 unlawful weapons, and charged 67 individuals with 71 weapons offences.
Related Stories
>
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the importance of removing nearly a hundred weapons from the streets due to their horrifying nature.
NSW Police Force Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty highlighted the focus on catching individuals carrying knives and weapons during high-visibility operations.
Assistant Commissioner Hegarty emphasized the limited legitimate reasons for carrying a knife in public and warned of the potential tragic consequences.
Police and counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley issued a stern warning to individuals considering carrying dangerous weapons, stating that the police are vigilant in enforcing the law.
The NSW government’s broader efforts to reduce knife crime include doubling fines for selling knives to minors and the possibility of jail time.
How do the Laws Work?
A senior police officer ranked Assistant Commissioner or higher can authorize the use of wanding powers in specific public areas, including shopping centers, sports venues, and public transport stations.
These designated zones can be declared for up to 12 hours and extended under certain conditions, particularly in locations with recent violent incidents.
Minns stressed the importance of shifting public attitudes with the legislation to deter individuals, especially young people, from carrying knives.
