Knife crime worsening in Nowra, says South Coast Police District chief inspector, David Cockram

A top cop has issued a stark warning over what he says is a boost in knife crime across the South Coast, following the alleged stabbing murder of a young father on Easter Sunday.

South Coast Police District chief inspector, David Cockram speaking after Mr Gray’s death. Picture: Tom McGann

A top South Coast police officer has revealed his “serious concern” that knife crimes in the region are occurring too frequently, after the alleged stabbing murder of a young dad on Easter Sunday.

South Coast Police District chief inspector, David Cockram’s concerns arose just hours after 28-year-old father, Dylan Gray, was fatally stabbed in Nowra at the weekend.

Stephen Walker, 47, allegedly stabbed Mr Gray in the abdomen before he died. He has since been charged with murder and refused bail.

He is yet to enter pleas, with his case returning to Nowra Local Court on June 17.

Insp. Cockram said the “terrible” case was evidence knife crime was worsening among the Nowra region.

Dylan Gray was fatally stabbed in Nowra on April 20. Pictures: Supplied/Tom McGann

“We’re seeing an increased number of knife crimes and an increased number of knives being found on people,” he told this publication.

“We are proactively taking steps to try and identify and take action against people who have knives in public without a reasonable excuse.”

South Coast Police District chief inspector, David Cockram said knife crimes needed to stop. Picture: Tom McGann

Insp. Cockram’s concerns comes after Jack’s Law was passed in New South Wales last year. The legislation – allowing police to use handheld metal detectors to detect knives and other weapons in public places without a warrant – was introduced in the state after a widespread rollout in Queensland.

Jack’s Law was introduced after 17-year-old Jack Beasley was fatally stabbed during a night out on the Gold Coast in 2019.

His father, Brett Beasley, championed the creation of the law, and previously said he was “ecstatic” after it was rolled out in NSW.

Brett, along with his wife Belinda, are aiming to take the legislation to every state in Australia, and undertake advocacy work through the Jack Beasley Foundation.

“Every single police force in the country should have these powers,” Mr Beasley said.

Brett Beasley lost his son when he was fatally stabbed during a night out in the Gold Coast in 2019. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“It’s sickening every time we see a report on a knife-related incident.

“All we want is what every other family in Australia wants – for our loved ones to be safe without some mongrel walking around with a knife.”

Insp Cockram said a March police blitz into knife crimes in the Nowra and Bomaderry region saw seven knives seized and 14 arrests made across just a few days.

“One of these fellows was carrying a machete,” he said.

“Seeing what happened with Mr Gray shows knife offences can have dire consequences.

“Over my years in the police, I have seen numerous people pass away as a result of knife crime and it needs to stop.”

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