Police have seized two weapons in the first weekend of a new metal detector wanding trial on the Gold Coast.
As part of the weekend enforcement action commencing on Friday night, police scanned 116 people in the Safe Night Precincts of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Gold Coast District Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said the trial was a preventative strategy designed to reduce knife crime on the Gold Coast.
"Officers are using the scanning device to randomly and quickly check if a person within the Safe Night Precinct is armed with a dangerous weapon in public," Acting Chief Superintendent Wildman said.
"It is about sending a clear message to anyone thinking about carrying a knife in public, that it is illegal and police will be there to take action.
"Members of the public have overall been very supportive and cooperative with the new legislation.
"It is hoped through this trial we will see a reduction of instances of people carrying knives leading to a drop in knife crime generally.
"We have, as part of the trial over the weekend, also seen a flow-on effect with other offences being detected by police including two notices to appear for people who breached Police Banning Orders, two breach of bail offences, three possession of a dangerous drug (MDMA and Cannabis) and other minor street offences."
The trial will continue for 12 months with a review expected to be conducted at its completion.
A 31-year-old man from Surfers Paradise was issued with a notice to appear for possession of a knife. He is due to face Southport Magistrates Court at a later date.
A 23-year-old man from Coomera received an adult caution for possessing a screwdriver without a reasonable excuse.
