More than 100 weapons have been seized from the streets in the Far North in less than a year as police disrupt and prevent knife crime during proactive patrols under Jack’s Law.

The statistics were delivered last week, sending a strong message to anyone carrying a weapon in public that police are watching and will crackdown on the dangerous practice.

Jack’s Law allows police to use handheld metal detectors to scan people and their belongings to detect knives and other weapons in any public space or entertainment venue.

Jack's Law, named after 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was stabbed to death in 2019, had previously only applied to public spaces like train stations, shopping centres, and nightlife precincts.

If you are caught carrying a knife in a public place, you risk a large fine and/or a term of imprisonment.

Since July 18 2025, 8902 people have been scanned, and 101 weapons have been seized.

Among the detections, a 23-year-old Palm Cove man who was allegedly located with knuckle dusters on Lake Street on March 21

He was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a category M weapon and appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on April 9.

A 16-year-old Cairns North boy was charged with one count of possession of a knife in a public place after he was allegedly found with a knife, also on Lake Street on November 21 November 2025.

On Friday, a knife was allegedly used by a 36-year-old Atherton man in an armed robbery in Mareeba where a mum and young child were threatened.

Jack’s Law allows police officers to utilise a metal detecting wand in operations in public areas including Safe Night Precincts, shopping centres, public transit hubs and on public transport.

Scans are quick, averaging a minute or two and require no physical contact by police.

By scanning for, detecting, and removing dangerous weapons from public places, police aim to reduce the harm these weapons cause in the community while educating the public on the risks of unlawfully carrying a weapon.