Gold Coast Holiday Safety Crackdown

Gold Coast police have made 12 arrests involving 26 charges as part of a targeted operation to enhance community safety during the school holiday period. The initiative, known as Operation Luminous, features handheld scanning and high-visibility patrols across key areas including Coolangatta, Southport, and Helensvale.

Operation Luminous aims to detect weapons, drugs, and antisocial behavior while engaging with the community to ensure safe environments for families and young people. The operation, active until the end of the school holidays, recently led to the arrest of a 24-year-old Molendinar man at a Southport shopping center. The man, wanted on an outstanding warrant, was found with knives, a tomahawk, cannabis, and various restricted medications.

Overall, police have performed 275 wandings, 193 street checks, 45 shopping center walkthroughs, and 312 community engagements. Charges against the 12 offenders include drug offenses, trespassing, and possession of suspected stolen property. Two juveniles are among those charged.

Acting Superintendent Michelle Piket emphasized the operation’s success in deterring criminal behavior and reassuring the community. “Handheld scanning is an important tool to identify and deter those carrying weapons,” she stated, highlighting its role in fostering community trust.

Police will continue their proactive and high-visibility efforts throughout the Gold Coast as part of their ongoing safety initiatives.