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Toowoomba Police have conducted a knife-crime blitz with a trio of wanding operations across shopping centres, in a first for the Darling Downs since Jack’s Law expanded.

The operations were conducted between September 23 and 27 at various shopping centres across Toowoomba.

63 people were scanned with metal detection wands, with no weapons located.

The operation aimed to provide a high-visibility police presence, deter and disrupt offending and anti-social behaviour and engage and educate community and businesses with crime prevention support and an understanding of the expansion to Jack’s Law.

Jack’s Law allows police to utilise a metal detection wand to scan for weapons in authorised locations, aiming to remove dangerous weapons from public spaces to reduce knife crime and keep the community safe.

Under new legislation, police wanding operations are now authorised in a wider range of public areas, including shopping centres, sporting venues, entertainment precincts and licensed premises in addition to the previously authorised Safe Night Precincts and public transport.

Since the commencement of Jack’s Law state-wide in April 2023, 729 weapons have been seized during more than 8,000 wanding operations.

Acting Inspector Paula Smithard said police received an overwhelmingly positive response during the operations.

“The community and store owners were very supportive of the wanding operations and the impact it will have in helping deter weapon offences in high-traffic public spaces like shopping centres,” Acting Inspector Smithard said.

“The operation was a success in spreading the word about Jack’s Law, the devastation carrying a weapon can cause and reminding shop-goers to expect police in new locations conducting wanding to remove weapons off our streets.

“We look forward to continuing wanding operations in line with new legislation to help keep our communities safe.”