By Alesha Capone
Police have expressed concern after finding teenagers as young as 13 carrying weapons in public areas of Wyndham, including knives and imitation firearms.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said that last month, Wyndham police attended some reports of anti-social behaviour.
The spokesperson said that at a “few incidents”, police had detected youths aged between 13 to 18 years old “carrying weapons and dangerous articles in public places as a means of self-defence”.
“The weapons being carried by young people in these incidents include kitchen knives, pocket knives and imitation firearms,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said: “Serious injuries can occur when someone carries or uses a weapon and police need to ensure the safety of the broader community.”
The spokesperson said police were conducting several ongoing operations to detect and deter knife crime, and to hold people carrying illegal weapons to account.
“We are also working with local schools in an effort to educate students directly in relation to weapons and personal safety strategies,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Victoria Police encouraged parents and guardians to talk to their children about the legalities and safety risks associated with carrying weapons.
Under Victorian law, you cannot carry, possess or use a weapon or dangerous articles to hurt people or to defend yourself.
“Without a lawful excuse, you cannot carry weapons or dangerous articles including knives or box-cutters, batons, cattle prods, bayonets, an axe, a cricket bat or a hammer in public,” the spokesperson said.
“If police believe you are illegally carrying a weapon, they can search you and your car without a warrant.
“If they find a weapon they can take it from you and you could face criminal charges.
“Please let your kids know, that if they ever feel threatened or unsafe to call [triple-0] for immediate police assistance.
“We appreciate you starting these discussions with your kids.
“Together, we can create a safety community.”
