Protected Entertainment Precincts: What police seized on first night of new knife scanning weapon laws

This is the tip of the knife-berg — what thugs are concealing when they head out for a night on the town in WA. The assortment of knives, some up to 20cm long, is what WA Police seized on the first night of using new laws to scan for hidden weapons with hand-held metal detectors known as wands. Friday night’s haul of 17 weapons followed 2350 edged-weapon scans across the State with officers now permitted to scan anyone without a warrant. The Sunday Times can reveal the weapons cache included a small axe, pocket knives, kitchen knives and fixed-blade knives. Some 1232 of the scans were conducted within the five entertainment precincts of Northbridge, Perth, Scarborough, Hillarys, Fremantle and Mandurah. Officers were able to easily detect the concealed knives by sweeping the wands over the outer layer of the carriers’ clothing. “The sheer number of edged weapons seized from our Protected Entertainment Precincts shows the risk that concealed knives have been posing to our community and our police officers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Dario Bolzonella said. “Our community is already safer as a result of these seizures, and we hope this sends a strong message to anyone irresponsible enough to carry a weapon. We will continue to use the full suite of powers available to us to reduce the risk of knife-related crime in our community.” Police charged 16 people, including two women, in connection with the weapon seizures. The new laws were inspired by “Jack’s Law” in Queensland. Jack Beasley, 17, was fatally stabbed on the Gold Coast in 2019. His parents, Brett and Belinda, have passionately campaigned for the law in memory of their son. Their efforts now give WA parents greater peace of mind. WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said Friday’s haul showed how vital the new laws were. “Public safety is our priority because no one should have to go through the pain of losing a loved one to knife crime,” he said. “Anywhere, anytime, WA police now have the power to scan you for concealed weapons. “Police uncovered 17 knives on the first day our legislation came into effect — that’s 17 lives potentially saved. Carrying knives carries consequences, and those caught now face up to three years behind bars and a $36,000 fine.” Some of those charged on Friday were also charged with drug possession offences. Mr Bolzonella praised the public for its cooperation. “Support from the vast majority was overwhelming, people thanked police and even offered to be scanned,” he said. “Overall, out of the 2357 scans conducted, only one person was charged for failing to comply.” The scanning wands will be in heavy use throughout the festive season. Protected Entertainment Precincts will be permanent knife-wanding areas for police. But senior officers — ranked Inspector or above — will have the flexibility and authority to declare a knife-wanding area in any public place, from train stations to music festivals. Anyone with a legitimate reason for carrying a knife will not be prosecuted. Possession for self-defence is not considered a lawful excuse. Under the laws, it’s an offence to refuse to undergo a scan or produce an object when requested by police. Failure to comply could result in up to a year behind bars and/or fine of up to $12,000. Christmas Eve will mark two years since Protected Entertainment Precincts (PEP) laws were introduced. Since coming into effect, 211 violent and antisocial offenders have been barred from Northbridge, Perth, Scarborough, Hillarys, Fremantle and Mandurah. The PEP laws were drafted after nightclub manager Giuseppe Raco was killed by a stranger in a one-punch attack in July 2020. Mr Papalia thanked the Beasleys for driving change on the knife laws. “This is another tool to allow frontline officers to quickly identify offenders before they have a chance to cause harm,” he said.