Knives and drugs were allegedly uncovered during a targeted police blitz in a Sunshine Coast town, with four people now facing charges.
Police conducted wanding operations and street checks as part of Operation Sunshine Safety at Nambour on July 22, when police used hand-held scanners to wand or detect illegal weapons in public places.
The ongoing operation includes proactive high-visibility patrols focused on community safety in the town’s centre and transport hubs.
Nambour police, the Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Unit, Sunshine Coast Tactical Crime Squad and Railway Squad conducted 34 street checks and 41 wandings, resulting in the alleged detection of two knives and a quantity of dangerous drugs.
A 54-year-old Nambour man was allegedly found with a knife at a public transport station and was charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public place. He was issued a notice to appear in Nambour Magistrates Court on August 18.
A 16-year-old Morayfield boy was allegedly found with a knife at a public transport station. He was charged with one count each of possessing a knife in a public place, fare evasion and stealing. He was issued a notice to appear in Caboolture Childrens Court on August 20.
A 30-year-old Maroochydore man was allegedly found with cannabis at a public transport station and was charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs. He was issued a notice to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 22.
A 43-year-old Nambour man was street checked and charged with one count of stealing for allegedly stealing items from a business on Howard Street at Nambour on April 25. He was a notice to appear in Nambour Magistrates Court on August 4.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said community members should be able to feel safe in the town.
“Operation Sunshine Safety is designed to enhance community safety through high-visibility activities including foot patrols, street checks, wanding and community engagement, particularly in relation to public transport,” he said.
“These proactive patrols are in addition to wanding operations across the Sunshine Coast under Operation Marshall, and in addition to the day-to-day work of local frontline police.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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