Townsville Police are continuing to disrupt and prevent knife crime with more than 14,000 people wanded in the Townsville District under Jack’s Law over the past year.
Jack’s Law allows police to use handheld metal detectors to scan people and their belongings to detect knives and other weapons in any public space or entertainment venue.
If you are caught carrying a knife in a public place, you risk a large fine and/or a term of imprisonment.
Since 18 July 2025 to 21 July 2026, in the Townsville District 14,141 people have been scanned for weapons.
From those scanned,166 weapons were located and 272 people charged on 563 offences.
A 28-year-old Hyde Park man was allegedly located with a pocket knife in a licenced premises on the corner of Ross River Road and Akuna Street, Aitkenvale about 6.45pm on 28 June. He was charged with one count each of possession of a knife in a public place and stealing. He appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on 22 July.
A 48-year-old man was allegedly located with a box cutter near Flinders Street, Townsville City about 2.15am on 10 July. He was charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on 28 July.
Townsville District Acting Superintendent Damien Crosby said officers will continue to patrol and conduct wanding in public places to deter people from carrying dangerous weapons.
“Local officers will continue to proactively take measures to keep the Townsville community and visitors safe,” Acting Superintendent Crosby said.
“Everyone has the right and deserves to feel safe and enjoy our public spaces.
“Jack’s Law is about making sure dangerous weapons aren’t being carried around the community, it is about making sure dangerous weapons don’t cause lifelong trauma.”
Jack’s Law was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019 on the Gold Coast.
It allows police officers to utilise a metal detecting wand in operations in public areas including Safe Night Precincts, shopping centres, public transit hubs and on public transport.
Scans are quick, averaging a minute or two and require no physical contact by police.
Earlier this month, Brett and Belinda Beasley were in Townsville and took the opportunity to meet and talk to officers at Townsville’s Safe Night Precinct about the importance of Jack’s Law and the work they do.
