AN INSIDIOUS form of weapon is growing in popularity in Australia.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported today that officers are seizing more and more wallet-sized knives designed to look like credit cards.
The AFP has seized 81 credit card knives at Australian airports over the past year, including 22 in the past month alone.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan has warned that it is an offence in all states and territories to buy or possess such a weapon.
“Credit card knives are not a novelty item — they are not toys,” he said.
“They are a dangerous weapon, they are illegal and they are banned from being taken on domestic and international flights.
“All jurisdictions have offences relating to the sale of a knife that is manufactured in a manner that disguises or conceals the blade, and gives the impression of an innocuous item such as a plastic card, with similar dimensions to that of a credit card.
“Protecting the Australian community is the highest priority for the Coalition government, and anyone carrying these weapons should consider themselves warned that you will be detected and dealt with by authorities.”
Depending on which state or territory they live in, people who hold these weapons can be fined up to $2500 (South Australia) or be jailed for up to two years (NSW, Victoria and Western Australia).
Credit card knives are easy to buy online, with some retailing for under $10.
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