1000+ weapons seized after Jack’s Law in place

Queensland police have hit a major milestone in their fight against knife crime, seizing more than 1000 knives and bladed items in the 18 months since Jack’s Law came into effect.

Police have taken off more than 1000 weapons off Queensland streets since Jack’s Law came into effect in April last year.

Officers have conducted more than 8000 wanding operations, locating 737 weapons and charging more than 2100 people with almost 3800 offences.

In a Gold Coast trial ahead of the law coming into effect, 266 weapons were taken off the streets.

The weapons involved were knives, axes, machetes and other bladed items.

Police seize more than 1000 dangerous weapons in two years. Picture: QPS

The legislation was introduced after 17-year-old Jack Beasley was stabbed to death at Surfers Paradise in 2019.

Youth crime taskforce acting assistant commissioner Andrew Massingham said it was a significant milestone and the response from the community was positive.

“We found that the community is very accepting of our high feasibility policing response in that regard,” he said.

“We have very few people complaining about our wanding operations.

“In fact the younger generation, when we talk about the Jack’s Law, have heard of Jack and his untimely death on the Gold Coast.”

Mr Massingham said police are committed to combating knife crime for Queensland.

“We know the effects of knife crimes can have on victims, the community and also their family,” he said.

“We do know that people when they carry weapons, when involved in disturbances, are more likely to use that weapon than to look at other ways to get around that situation.

“We know that this law can prevent people from being harmed in the community.”

Police conduct operations at Westfield Mount Gravatt. Picture: QPS

Youth crime taskforce acting assistant commissioner Andrew Massingham. Picture: QPS

The law, which was extended to shopping centres, licensed premises, sporting precincts and other high risk locations weeks ago, allowed police officers to use a metal detection wand to scan for weapons in authorised locations, which involves no physical contact and takes an average of a minute or two.

Mr Massingham said police will have increased patrols and warned people the chances of being caught with bladed items are greater than ever before.

Jack’s mother Belinda Beasley had been assisting police, educating young people about the dangers of carrying weapons.

She said they were proud that Jack’s legacy is living on through keeping communities safe.

Belinda Beasley, from the Jack Beasley Foundation. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“To see Jack’s Law grow from Surfers Paradise to across Queensland and now into other states across Australia is incredible, and we know it will save lives,” Ms Beasley said.

“They have taken 1000 weapons out of public spaces, where they could have caused harm, this is an outstanding result, and we know it’s just the beginning.”