Geraldton police OIC shocked after group of men found carrying dangerous weapons on New Year’s Eve at busy pub

Police seized a tomahawk axe, a baseball bat and three knives from one group outside a Geraldton pub during New Year’s Eve celebrations under tough new WA laws allowing police to search people in public for weapons. Police targeted party precincts across WA on New Year’s Eve, which included metal detection scans for concealed weapons at the Geraldton Hotel. Three men were charged with carrying dangerous weapons following the Statewide operation. Tough new laws came into effect last month giving police powers to scan people for weapons in declared spaces. Geraldton police officer in charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said out of 835 people scanned across the State throughout the night, 10 were identified with weapons — and three of those were in Geraldton. Geraldton police said a group of seven men were approaching the Geraldton Hotel about 12.30am when they were stopped and asked to disclose any dangerous weapons. Sen. Sgt Martin said three of the men — aged 27, 25 and 24 — revealed they were concealing a tomahawk axe, baseball bat, metal knife, a pocket knife and a credit card knife. He said the “concerning” numbers showed the new legislation was working to keep weapons off the streets. “I’m very pleased that we took the action at the time because I was concerned as to where these implements were going, what was the use of them, what harm they could have potentially done to the community,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. “The Geraldton Hotel was the busiest venue in the sub-district. It’s very alarming as the officer in charge to see members of our community armed in such a way on New Year’s Eve, in a very large, crowded area of town.” The three men were were charged with possession of edged weapons and were summonsed to court at a later date. During the first weekend of the new laws last month, police uncovered 31 unlawful items after 4530 scans — one being a tomahawk axe in Geraldton. Geraldton police were out in force on New Year’s Eve, maintaining a presence in the CBD, as well as attending a number of call-outs for alcohol-related incidents and antisocial behaviour. Sen. Sgt Martin said Geraldton police responded to two minor assaults and two noise complaints, however there were no out-of-control gatherings. Police arrested one man for crashing a party in Wandina, after attendees restrained him. And four juveniles were arrested during a vehicle stop after driving a stolen car from Carnarvon to a Geraldton service station. “New Year’s Eve is a significant event for any community, particularly in regional areas. It’s the end of the year, people are keen to let off some steam, let their hair down, celebrate with family and friends, and look forward to the year ahead and put any past disappointments behind them,” Sen. Sgt Martin said. “I’m glad to say the majority of the general community did that in good spirits.”