Teen Arrested with Machete

Police in Helensvale, Queensland, apprehended a 14-year-old boy for allegedly carrying a machete concealed in his waistband at a local train station on May 27th at approximately 9 PM. The arrest occurred during a proactive patrol operation that involved the use of handheld metal detectors, known as ‘wanding’, under the regulations of ‘Jack’s Law’.

‘Jack’s Law,’ which was expanded in July 2025, grants Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers the authority to use metal detectors to scan individuals in public spaces, including Safe Night Precincts, shopping centers, and public transit hubs. The law aims to curb the carrying and potential use of knives and other dangerous weapons in public areas. Since the implementation of this law, Gold Coast police have scanned 30,656 individuals, uncovering 225 weapons.

The young individual, hailing from Parkwood, was found with a large machete during the routine check and will now be processed under the Youth Justice Act. The QPS emphasizes the importance of these scanning operations in reducing weapon-related harm within the community and raising awareness about the legal consequences of possessing dangerous weapons unlawfully.

Queensland Police encourages anyone with information about suspicious activities to contact Policelink or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers. The reference number for this incident is QP2601013905.