For the past 12 months Queensland police have been trialling using metal detectors to locate knifes and other weapons carried by individuals in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Since the trial began, 133 concealed weapons have been uncovered leading to the charge of 106 weapon offences.
The trial was initiated as a result of a series of stabbings in the night life precinct of Surfers Paradise.
Included in the concealed weapons uncovered during the initiative were machetes, sharpened screw drivers, flick knives, replica guns, knuckle dusters, and a tomahawk.
During the initiative, police operated metal detectors to conduct checks on 11,775 people, including 3,275 juveniles.
Acting assistant commissioner Wildman said, “We’ve seen a 100 per cent reduction in armed hold-up offences and more stunningly an 850 per cent reduction of wounding matters.”
Though the trial has ended, the metal detector checks are set to continue.
Griffith University has been tasked with reviewing the trial to assess its success and make a recommendation to the government as to whether the initiative should be made permanent.
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