Gold Coast police have charged 27 people with 69 offences during the latest stage of Operation Luminous, a high-visibility school holiday operation targeting weapons, drugs and antisocial behaviour across shopping centres and transport hubs.
The coordinated operation, which has spanned from Broadbeach to Coomera over the past week, has involved officers conducting handheld scanning, street checks, and walkthroughs in busy public areas.
During patrols at Broadbeach South Light Rail, a man was approached for scanning and declared he was in possession of a knife prior to the search. As a result, the 40-year-old Nerang man was charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place.
He was issued with a Notice to Appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 24 October.
Earlier in the week, a man was arrested at the Broadbeach South tram stop after handheld scanning located a knife. The 26-year-old Tweed Heads man was wanted on outstanding warrants and was further charged with one count each of possession of a knife in a public place and possess utensils or pipes, etc for use.
He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on 23 October.
Since 20 September, officers have conducted 623 wandings involving 385 adults and 238 juveniles, resulting in six weapons being located, 468 street checks, 89 full shopping centre walkthroughs and 777 community engagements.
Across this stage of the operation, 27 offenders have been charged with 69 offences, including drug offences, possession of suspected stolen property, breaches of bail, warrants, domestic violence offences, stealing, weapon possession, trespassing, contravening banning notices, unlawful possession of controlled medication, assault, public nuisance and contravening requirements.
Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket said the results highlight police determination to maintain safe public spaces.
"By combining handheld scanning, street-level patrols, and community engagement, our officers are removing weapons and holding offenders to account," Acting Superintendent Piket said.
"The fact that we are detecting knives in busy public spaces demonstrates exactly why this type of proactive policing is so important."
Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket said community engagement was just as critical as enforcement.
"The majority of our work during this operation is about reassurance and prevention. Hundreds of families and young people have spoken with our officers in shopping centres and transport hubs over the past week.
"Those conversations are invaluable in building trust and making sure the community feels safe and supported."
Shopping centres, tram stops, and train stations are some of the busiest public spaces on the Gold Coast, particularly during the holidays.
"We want everyone to know that these environments are safe, and that police are actively working to keep them that way," Acting Superintendent Piket said.
Police will continue high-visibility patrols across the Gold Coast throughout the school holidays.
Quote these reference numbers: QP2501730627, QP2501747369
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
