Knives found on teens as young as 14 trying to board Gold Coast light rail at Helensvale

Several teenagers – one as young as 14 – have been found carrying knives at one of the Gold Coast’s busiest transport hubs, sparking consternation from police.

A 14-year-old has been caught carrying a knife at Helensvale Train Station during a major police operation.

The juvenile was one of four teens caught carrying knives by officers while switching from trains to the light rail at the busy transport hub.

It is believed that all four were making their way to the Gold Coast from outside the city.

A 27-year-old was also caught carrying a knife by police conducting wanding operations at the station during the winter school holidays.

Police pictured during a recent operation at Helensvale Train Station. Picture: Keith Woods.

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said it was “extremely concerning” that young people were continuing to arm themselves with knives on public transport despite high profile police action to combat the problem.

“Unfortunately the policing operation detected five people with knives attempting to come into the Gold Coast out at Helensvale railway station, just between the transition between the heavy rail and the light rail,” he said.

“It’s disappointing to see that again still people are coming into the Gold Coast with weapons and knives in their possession.

“ ... The concern is people still think they can move onto public transport with weapons (like) knives. We’ve even detected axes in the past, those sorts of things.

“Don’t come to the Gold Coast, don’t move on public transport, don’t even leave your house with a weapon.

“You will be detected, you will be charged and you will face the consequences before a court.”

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles. Picture: Keith Woods.

Police have been conducting wanding operations at public transport hubs and safe night precincts since the introduction of Jack’s Law, which was passed following the tragic death of Jack Beasley.

The 17-year-old was stabbed to death after being set upon by a group of youths who had travelled to Surfers Paradise by tram in December 2019.

Hundreds of knives have been seized by police under the law, which has recently been extended to NSW.

The school holidays wanding operation was part of Operation Cold Snap on the Gold Coast which saw 38 people were charged with 65 offences including drug offences, dangerous operation of motor vehicles, warrants and unlicensed driving.

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