Sunshine Coast police have confiscated weapons during wanding operations as part of Operation Xray Sorcerer.
The operation, which started on September 6, is focused on preventing and disrupting anti-social behaviour by young people on the Sunshine Coast.
There have been increased patrols during the September school holidays, which follow strategies involving 11 to 17-year-olds in public places, including high visibility patrols, wanding for weapons and bail compliance inspections.
During patrols at Mooloolaba on September 11, police intercepted two people riding e-scooters on Brisbane Road around 10.20pm. Police searched and wanded the pair and located a knife, dangerous drugs and drug utensils.
A 42-year-old Golden Beach man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possess utensils or pipes etc for use, possession of implements that was being or was to be used in relation to particular offences, and possession of knife in a public place. He has been issued a notice to appear in the Caloundra Magistrates Court on October 23.
A 27-year-old Mooloolaba woman has been charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs. She has been issued a notice to appear in Caloundra Magistrates Court on September 29.
During wanding operations at a public transport station on Cooma Terrace in Caloundra on September 13, police found a teenage boy allegedly carrying a pocketknife.
A 14-year-old Buddina boy was charged with one count of possession of knife in a public place. He has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
On September 19, during wanding operations at a shopping centre on Horton Parade in Maroochydore, police allegedly located an edged weapon, scissors and approximately two grams of cannabis in the possession of a 14-year-old Maroochydore boy.
He has been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said these were largely positive results.
“Though we’re disappointed to have found three people with weapons, I’m pleased that we were about to take those weapons off the streets, and it’s positive to see more weapons weren’t located,” he said.
“Our engagement with young people and the wider community during our conversations on the street has been positive and I’m confident the majority of people are doing the right thing.
“When young people are found in possession of a weapon, we follow up with their parents or care givers in an attempt to work with the family to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“We ask parents to continue to work with us in our goal of keeping their children and the community safe.
“The Sunshine Coast community can expect to be stopped by police anytime, anywhere during these school holidays.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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