Knife Crime

Knife Crime Flyer

On the 9th December 2024 the NSW Government will introduce legislation to target the possession of knives, reduce knife crime and improve the overall safety of the community.

Under the new legislation, a senior police officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner or above can declare designated places including:

public transport station (including bus, train and tram stations) and surrounds;
public transport vehicles within two scheduled stops of a designated public transport station;
shopping precincts;
certain sporting venues; and
other public places, designated by regulation, including special events and places that are part of the night-time economy.

That gives police the power to scan people for knives or weapons without a warrant in these designated places.

In addition to these powers, the legislation will also make it illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of 18, with exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study, as well as increasing penalties for people selling knives to young people under the age of 18.

The package of reforms will help address knife-related crime, get knives off streets and keep the community safer.

The New South Wales Police Force are committed to reducing knife related crimes and raising awareness around the penalties to discourage people from carrying knives unlawfully.