Hundreds Of Handbacks As New Knife Laws Kick In
Nearly 500 knives, including swords and machetes have been surrendered to police stations across the state since the beginning of the Labor Government’s nation-leading knife laws that came into effect at the start of the month.
Under the newly commenced laws, minors aged under 18 are barred from buying sharp knives under any circumstances, while swords and machetes have now been declared prohibited weapons.
Penalties of up to $20,000 or 2 years imprisonment apply for possession of a prohibited sword or machete.
South Australians have been given three months to anonymously surrender any prohibited weapons to their local police stations (outside of the CBD).
People should check whether their possession of swords or machetes will remain lawful and, if not, surrender the weapons to a local police station outside of the CBD during the next three months.
Figures collated by SAPOL have shown that between June 29 and Friday 11 July, a total of 139 swords, 231 machetes and 115 other dangerous weapons – including bayonets, daggers and ninja stars – have been surrendered to Police.
More information on the reforms are available at www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons/changes-to-knife-laws.
As put by Kyam Maher
Since this surrender period was announced South Australians have been handing in an average of roughly 40 illegal swords and machetes a day.
We appreciate seeing so many members of the community being ready to back these new laws in by doing the right thing and getting rid of these dangerous weapons.
It’s an encouraging start to this phase of our nation-leading knife crime reforms, as we work to better protect our state and hold offenders to account.
As put by Acting Assistant Commissioner Operational Support Service, Scott Fitzgerald
Police welcome the community response, with so many people surrendering swords, machetes and other knives in a safe manner.
We have 485 dangerous weapons now safely out of our homes, streets, and communities.