Chris Minns announces sweeping new powers for NSW Police to tackle knife crime, ... trends now
A tough new crackdown on knife crime has been declared in NSW, with police given new powers to scan people for weapons in public places without a warrant following a recent spate of stabbing incidents.
It will also now be illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy a knife and there will be heavy penalties for any retailers who do so, under new plans to be announced by the state government on Tuesday.
The current age limit is 16, which will be increased by two years.
Premier Chris Minns said that the new legislation that is modelled on Queensland's Jack's Law which brought in after the tragic stabbing death of teen Jack Beasley in 2019.
It allows police officers in Queensland to use a metal detecting wand in operations in city centre locations, at public transit hubs and on public transport.
A similar scheme will be brought in for NSW which will give police powers to 'wand' or 'scan' people for knives without a warrant in designated areas, including transport hubs, shopping centres and other crowded places.
The new measures come in the wake of several high-profile stabbing events, including the Westfield Bondi Junction knife rampage (pictured)
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley (right ) will announce more details on Tuesday
'In recent weeks and months, we have all borne witness to the devastating outcomes of knife related violence,' Premier Minns said.
'I know that many in our community have followed the devastating media coverage and heard the stories of victims and families – tragically there have been so many recent examples.'
'Our communities are still in mourning, but it's essential that we step up to take immediate action to send a clear message that NSW will simply not accept these kinds of crimes.'
'Today we are
