Four weapons have been seized during police wanding operations as part of a crackdown on youth anti-social behaviour on the Sunshine Coast.
Increased patrols during the September school holidays followed disruption and prevention strategies involving 11 to 17-year-olds in public places, including high visibility patrols, wanding for weapons, and bail compliance inspections.
On 11 September, officers intercepted two people riding e-scooters on Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba, allegedly locating a knife, dangerous drugs and drug utensils.
A 42-year-old Golden Beach man and a 27-year-old Mooloolaba woman were charged and issued notices to appear in Caloundra Magistrates Court.
Two teenagers were also charged in separate wanding operations.
A 14-year-old Buddina boy was allegedly found with a pocketknife at a Caloundra transport station on 13 September, while a 14-year-old Maroochydore boy was allegedly caught with an edged weapon, scissors and cannabis at a Maroochydore shopping centre on 19 September.
Both boys were dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.
Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said these were largely positive results.
“Though we’re disappointed to have found three people with weapons, I’m pleased that we were about to take those weapons off the streets, and it’s positive to see more weapons weren’t located,” Detective Inspector Toohey said.
“Our engagement with young people and the wider community during our conversations on the street has been positive and I’m confident the majority of people are doing the right thing.
“When young people are found in possession of a weapon, we follow up with their parents or care givers in an attempt to work with the family to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
“We ask parents to continue to work with us in our goal of keeping their children and the community safe.
“The Sunshine Coast community can expect to be stopped by police anytime, anywhere during these school holidays.”
