NT Police confiscate scissors during hand-held scanning, wanding blitz

NT Police have scanned 156 people and busted a number of them carrying scissors. Here’s what comes next.

NT Police have busted four people with scissors using new hand-held scanners.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael White APM said 156 people were scanned across Alice Springs and Katherine under the new scheme.

He said six people were caught in possession of prohibited weapons, though two were “deemed to be for work purposes”.

Wanding has started in the NT. Picture: Annabel Bowles

Deputy Commissioner White said three kids were being dealt with under the Youth Justice Act 2005 after they were caught with scissors.

He said another pair of scissors had been seized in Katherine and a warning was issued.

Deputy Commissioner White said the hand-held scanners were now an important part of “keeping the community safe” from danger.

“These new powers were brought in to enhance NT Police’s ability to detect and remove prohibited weapons from within the community,” he said.

“There is absolutely no need to be carrying a knife or sharp implement within highly populated urban areas.

“The scanners are quick to use, discrete, and will only be employed with prior approvals from the police command.”