Teens caught with knives as 500 NSW Police conduct two-day blitz 

Several teenagers, some as young as 14, were caught with knives hidden in their pants and backpacks, as police from every command in NSW patrolled shopping malls, train stations and public spaces.

More than 60 weapons have been wiped off Sydney’s streets in two-day blitz targeting locations known for violent offending, as police hit back in the fight against knife crime.

Several teenagers, some as young as 14, were caught with knives and hatchets hidden in their pants and backpacks, as police from every command in NSW patrolled shopping malls, train stations and public spaces.

A 500-strong team of NSW Police were out in force from Thursday to Saturday as part of Operation Foil, seizing 62 weapons and arresting 70 people, which resulted in 350 criminal charges.

A knife seized during the two-day blitz. Picture: NSW Police

Another knife seized by officers. Picture: NSW Police

Two teenage boys were caught with six knives between them in Mount Annan in Sydney’s southwest on Friday, after police were called to reports of an argument.

When police stopped a 15-year-old boy nearby, they allegedly found a silver kitchen knife in his waistband and four more knives in a backpack.

A short time later, police located another 15-year-old boy in a carpark where they allegedly found a silver kitchen knife in his bag. He was also arrested and the boys were taken to Narellan Police Station, where they were dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

A total of 62 weapons were seized. Picture: NSW Police

Operation Foil ran from Thursday to Saturday. Picture: NSW Police

According to North West Metropolitan Region’s Operations Manager, Superintendent Guy Magee, police searched more than 900 people and seized 49 knives, six firearms, and seven other weapons.

“Operations such as this are about keeping members of the public safe from people who may potentially use them to frighten, harm or intimidate others,” he said.

A knife seized at a train station during the operation. Picture: NSW Police.

A 16-year-old boy was allegedly caught with an 8cm folding knife and a hatchet. Picture: NSW Police

“We know knife violence can have devastating consequences for both victims, and those people carrying or using knives: their decisions can change lives.

“We are still concerned with the number of people who choose to carry knives and will continue to run operations like this to keep the community safe.”

Operation Ares ran at the same time, with police from the Public Transport and Public Safety Command using handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting wands – in Parramatta, Blacktown and Wollongong.

The Parramatta Transport Interchange, Wollongong Train Station, Crown Street Mall in Wollongong and Blacktown Transport Interchange precinct were declared designated target areas.

An man is searched at a train station. Picture: NSW Police

During the operation, 1112 people were searched with a scanner. Police arrested 55 people and there were 82 charges laid, with 24 weapons seized across the four locations.

A 16-year-old boy was charged under Operation Ares, after he was allegedly found with a cache of weapons at Parramatta Square, including an 8cm folding knife, a hatchet and items suspected of being stolen.

The boy was charged with custody of knife in public place, have custody of an offensive implement in a public place, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

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