Police in Victoria have made a significant breakthrough in their efforts against knife crime, with the seizure of nearly 1,000 weapons at a factory in Dandenong. Among the recovered items were machetes, samurai swords, zombie knives, and meat cleavers. This operation marks a record haul, emphasising the ongoing issue of knife offences in the region.
Despite a common belief that most knife-related incidents involve young people, statistics reveal that adults constitute the majority of victims and offenders. Victoria Police Acting Commander Michael Cruse highlighted the tragic reality that lives can be abruptly ended by a moment’s violence. Recent high-profile stabbings, such as the death of 23-year-old model Nathan Mwanza, allegedly involving a 17-year-old and a 22-year-old, underscore the seriousness of this issue. Likewise, 16-year-old Oscar Hamilton was reportedly stabbed by a 15-year-old at a shopping centre in Melton last year.
In 2023, police data indicates a 3.6 per cent reduction in knife crime. Last year alone, authorities confiscated 14,797 knives, which was nearly 2,000 more than in 2023. Notably, adults accounted for 70 per cent of the victims and 55 per cent of offenders. Additionally, close to 19 per cent of knife incidents stemmed from family violence, while young people were implicated in 20 per cent of stabbings, with 11 per cent connected to youth gang activity.
Following the forensic testing of the seized weapons, they will be disposed of, contributing to police efforts to reduce overall knife crime and improve community safety.