# Police Knife Scanning Operation at Wanneroo Shopping Centre Sparks Debate New weapon laws lead to charges and public disagreement over privacy concerns. - **Source:** [PerthNow](https://www.perthnow.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3997dfc3-4391-417f-b000-395cae89c41b ## Police Conduct Weapon Scans Wanneroo police recently executed a targeted operation at Wanneroo Central Shopping Centre to detect edged weapons. Between 2pm and 6pm on October 29, officers scanned over 300 individuals using hand-held metal detectors. The initiative resulted in two formal charges for the possession of prohibited items, highlighting the current focus on public safety. ## Legal Framework for Searches These operations stem from Western Australia’s updated knife laws introduced in December 2024. The legislation established a specific category for edged weapons and authorized police to conduct non-invasive scans. Refusing a scan without a reasonable excuse now carries a potential penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment and a $12,000 fine. ## Severe Penalties for Offenders Individuals found carrying an edged weapon without a lawful excuse face significant legal consequences under the new framework. The maximum penalty for such an offense is three years imprisonment alongside a $36,000 fine. Lawful excuses for possession are limited to specific activities like work, organized sport, recreation, or legitimate collection purposes. ## Public Opinion Remains Divided The community response to the operation, shared via social media, reflects a deep divide regarding civil liberties. Some residents expressed strong support, citing the need to prevent knife-related violence. Conversely, critics argued that the random nature of these searches constitutes an unnecessary invasion of privacy for the vast majority of innocent shoppers. ## Privacy Concerns Versus Security Critics like Steven Chase highlighted broader anxieties about increasing surveillance, including facial recognition and camera networks. They argue that scanning hundreds of people to catch two offenders is an inefficient trade-off. Supporters, such as Lianne Kelly Mills, countered by comparing the process to airport security, emphasizing the protection of families from crime. ## Designated Area Authority Western Australia Police maintain the authority to declare any location a designated area for scanning. A senior officer must determine that such a declaration is necessary to safeguard the public. This power is invoked when metal detectors are deemed effective in deterring or detecting weapon-related offenses within a specific, high-traffic public space. ## Operational Data and Transparency Despite the visibility of the operation, specific data regarding local knife-related activity in the Wanneroo area remains undisclosed. When contacted by the Northern Suburbs Weekly, a police spokesperson declined to provide further details on crime statistics or the force's internal data collection practices, leaving the broader impact of these operations unquantified. ## Future of Public Surveillance The Wanneroo operation serves as a case study for the implementation of expanded police powers in Western Australia. As authorities continue to utilize non-invasive scanning technology, the tension between public safety mandates and individual privacy rights will likely persist. Future policy success will depend on balancing these competing community interests effectively. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/crime/edged-weapon-scanning-operation-at-wanneroo-central-shopping-centre-results-in-two-charges-c-23109605 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._