Police have charged six people and seized a knife during a wanding operation in Bathurst on the weekend.
Operation Ares is a high-visibility operation in which officers use handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting 'wands' – in Chifley Police District, to reduce knife crime and boost community safety.
Between 1pm on Friday 4 April 2025 and 1am Saturday 5 April 2025, officers attached to Chifley Police District and Police Transport Command Northwest carried out a knife-scanning operation in the Bathurst CBD.
During the operation,
- 79 people were stopped and scanned;
- 18 person searches were conducted;
- 10 drug detections were made;
- One knife was detected and seized;
- Six people were arrested with charges laid including one by virtue of an outstanding warrant, another with supply prohibited drug and a third with possession of knife in public place.
Chifley Police District Commander Supt Darren Beeche said the operation was a success, received a lot of community support and is part of ongoing efforts to reduce violent crimes and bolster community safety across the police district.
"In the wrong hands, knives can have a devastating impact on victims and their families in our community," Supt Beeche said.
"Our message is simple – we have a zero-tolerance approach to knives being carried in public places. More knife-related operations will be conducted without notice – and if you are found to be carrying a knife without a lawful excuse, you will be charged."
