A major family event was marred after a disturbing “stabbing list” circulated among attendees on social media.
The Dubbo Show, held over the weekend at the city’s showground in central western New South Wales, was plagued by threats of knife crime.
An anonymous list of names of children, some as young as eight, was shared with the warning that they would be stabbed if they attended.
Police spoke to two boys, ages 11 and 12, through the post, which was titled “Stabbing List 2024” followed by a knife emoji.
“They will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
The Dubbo Show, held over the weekend at the city’s showground in central western New South Wales (pictured), was plagued by threats of knife crime after an anonymous list of names of children, some as young as eight, with the warning that they would be stabbed if they attended
Police spoke to two boys, aged 11 and 12, through the post, which was titled ‘Stab List 2024’ followed by a knife emoji (pictured).
The list sparked widespread fear on social media among people in the Wellington, Orange and Cowra areas, with a post on the ‘Dubbo Mummies’ Facebook page warning attendees.
‘There is a list of stabbings or stabbings for the Dubbos show on Saturday night, please everyone and their babies (sic) be safe!’ wrote one user.
The list prompted police to increase patrols at the fairgrounds, in addition to a “high visibility operation” designed to keep the community safe amid a recent rise in youth crime.
A mother also told Daily Telegraph his 16-year-old son was detained at knifepoint during the Friday night show.
A NSW Police spokesman said the victim and two friends he was with did not see any weapons.
“At approximately 7.20pm last Friday, a 16-year-old boy reported his headphones to police and two other teenagers had taken $30 in cash while outside a toilet block at Dubbo Show,” he said.
The list sparked widespread fear on social media among people in the Wellington, Orange and Cowra areas, with a post on the ‘Dubbo Mummies’ Facebook page warning attendees. There were also unconfirmed reports that a 16-year-old boy was held at knifepoint during Friday night’s show. However, the alleged victim and two friends he was with did not see any weapons.
“Neither the victim nor the two other children who were with him sighted any weapon at that time.”
Police have received a description of two boys who they believe can assist with investigations into the alleged robbery.
“They are described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, with a tan complexion, dark hair and black clothing,” the NSW Police spokesperson added.
“One was described as having a heavy build, while the other had a rat-tail haircut.”
Dubbo MP and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said police targeted some children they knew were causing trouble.
“The police were very proactive as a result of both incidents, they had a very significant presence on Saturday… and gave banning notices to some children who they knew could be troublemakers,” he said.
Dubbo Police Chief Superintendent Tim Chinn reportedly told Saunders that officers will visit schools this week to warn children about the consequences of online pranks.
It comes as the New South Wales state government is set to introduce a tough new crackdown on knife crime, giving police new powers to scan people for weapons in public places without a warrant. following a recent series of stabbing incidents.
The list prompted police to increase patrols at the fairgrounds, in addition to a “high visibility operation” designed to keep the community safe amid a recent rise in youth crime.
Premier Chris Minns said the new legislation is modeled after Queensland’s Jack’s Law, which came into force after the tragic stabbing death of teenager Jack Beasley in 2019.
It allows Queensland police officers to use a metal detector wand in operations in inner-city locations, at public transport hubs and on public transport.
A similar plan will be implemented for New South Wales, giving police powers to “search” or “scan” people for knives without a warrant in designated areas, including transport hubs, shopping centers and other locations. crowded.
