Over 10,000 Scanned in Darling Downs Weapon Crackdown

Police across the Darling Downs District have scanned more than 10,000 people under Jack's Law as proactive weapon detection operations continue across the region.

Between 18 July 2025 and 9 September this year, officers have conducted 10,191 scans using handheld metal-detecting wands across the district resulting in 142 weapons being located, and 62 people charged with a total of 102 offences including 30 weapon charges.

The proactive wanding operations have been conducted at a range of locations, including public transport hubs and other busy community areas, as police continue efforts to prevent weapons from being carried in public.

On 24 August, police were conducting wanding at a shopping centre in Wilsonton when they intercepted a 17-year-old girl.

It will be alleged when officers wanded the girl's clothing they located a knife hidden inside a jacket pocket.

The 17-year-old Harristown girl was charged with one count of possessing a knife in a public place and appeared in the Toowoomba Childrens Court on 27 August.

Darling Downs District Acting Superintendent Kelly Hanlen said the ongoing use of Jack's Law was an important tool in keeping the community safe.

"Our officers are using Jack's Law to proactively detect weapons before they have the opportunity to be used to harm someone," Acting Superintendent Hanlen said.

"More than 10,000 people have now been scanned across the Darling Downs District, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of our officers to preventing weapons from entering public places.

"These operations are intelligence-led and can be conducted at a range of locations where police identify a need for proactive weapon detection.

"If you choose to carry an illegal weapon in public, you can expect police to detect it and take appropriate action."

Police will continue to conduct highly visible wanding operations across the Darling Downs District as part of ongoing efforts to prevent offending and enhance community safety.