Source : Perth Now news
Police across NSW have allegedly seized 108 knives and firearms during a 36-hour stop and search blitz.
The crackdown across the state saw 4436 people wanded for weapons, and leaves 150 people facing a collective 360 charges.
“The successful outcome of Operation Foil highlights how proactive policing reduces knife crimes and makes the community stronger and safe,” Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cantrell said.
“Police will continue to arrest people who choose to carry prohibited weapons in public places and put them before the court to face the consequences.”
The crackdown ran from Thursday afternoon until the early hours of Saturday across the state, involving 500 officers.
Incidents of note include police allegedly finding an axe in a bag belonging to a 36-year-old man at a shopping centre in Tamworth, and a teenager arrested allegedly with two 30cm hunting knives at Parramatta Station.
In Tweed Heads, a 27-year-old woman was arrested while allegedly carrying a trench knife, and at Leichardt a 42-year-old man was allegedly seen by the public to be carrying a knife, and after being arrested a constable was assaulted at the Newtown Police Station.
Footage released by NSW Police show officers patrolling Sydney train stations, stopping people and searching them with metal detectors.
The footage shows officers seizing a kitchen knife and a stylised blade about 25cm long with a decorative sheath.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said anyone carrying weapons should expect to be arrested and charged.
“There is no good reason to walk out your front door carrying a knife or another dangerous weapon. You are putting yourself and everyone around you at risk,” she said.
“A weapon doesn’t keep you safe. It only makes you more dangerous.”
The 36-hour crackdown included 3295 roadside breath tests and almost 500 bail checks.
Across the board, 85 knives were seized, four firearms were found, and 19 “other” weapons were seized – 108 total – from 4436 people being searched with a metal detector.
