NSW Police crackdown on the state’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders

Police got more than they bargained for in their new statewide operation targeting NSW’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders, uncovering an alarming amount of disturbing weapons in the operation.

A sweep of the state’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders has uncovered an alarming amount of disturbing weapons, including axes, swords, machetes and guns.

NSW Police raids last week resulted in 648 arrests in the statewide operation, with a total of 1153 charges laid.

While Operation Amarok One targeted the entire state, the most serious findings were in southwest Sydney.

A search of a Carrington Park home uncovered two daggers, a double-edged sword, a multi-use hatchet, knuckle dusters and drugs.

A 47-year-old man was charged with possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit and using a prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition.

More than 600 people were arrested in a crackdown on domestic violence offenders. Picture: NSW Police

Less than 20km away at Harrington Park, a 17-year-old boy was arrested after he fled from police at Minto Railway Station.

After checks revealed he was wanted for domestic violence-related malicious damage and after a quick search of the area, police found a machete hidden in some bushes.

Firearms and 49 other prohibited weapons were seized throughout the operation. Picture: NSW Police

He was charged with having custody of a knife in a public place and two counts of destroying or damaging property.

Deputy Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said domestic and family-related violence is one of the most challenging community issues of our generation.

A number of prohibited weapons were seized

by officers during the operation. Picture: NSW Police

“The NSW Police Force invests significant resources into responding to domestic and family violence; attending some 139,000 calls for assistance in 2022 — with more than 33,100 of those actual assaults and 17 domestic-related murders,” Mr Lanyon said.

“We continue to battle the perception that domestic violence is a family matter and therefore should be treated as private business. That is certainly not the case. It is a community matter, and we all have a part to play in stopping the senseless loss of lives due to this crime.”

Officer makes arrest in Operation Amarok. Picture: NSW Police

Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said Amarok One will be a continuous operation across NSW.

“Operation Amarok will remain a statewide offender-centric operation designed to focus on perpetrators where their intent, capability and access to victims is assessed at an elevated level of threat,” Mr Smith said.

“Police officers spend more time responding to and administering domestic violence matters than any other crime type. They investigate any behaviour that controls, intimidates, terrifies or coerces a victim.

Police make an arrest in Sydney’s north west. Pictures: NSW Police

“In just four days, Operation Amarok saw police engage with 2000 high-risk domestic and family violence offenders, sending a strong message to all previous and potential offenders that their predatory behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Domestic violence victims are now entitled to paid leave to escape a violent relationship and access support.

Those affected can access up to 10 days regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time or casual employees and at their full rate of pay.