MORE than 40 knives seized by Shoalhaven police last year have been destroyed.
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Local police seized more than 45 knives and other sharp objects from knife and vehicle searches they conducted last year.
Shoalhaven duty officer Chief Inspector Steve Johnson reminded the community it is an offence to possess a knife in public without a lawful reason.
“Police are working hard to get unlawfully possessed knives off local streets,” he said.
“If a person has a knife and they don't have a legal reason to be in possession of it, the knife will be seized and legal action taken.
“This could be a $550 on-the-spot fine.
“Invariably a knife may be used to commit a crime or even bought out in the heat of the moment during a fight and this could be a life changing for people involved."
Chief Inspector Johnson said it was reasonable for a person to have a knife in a public when it's lawful pursuit of their work, like to prepare food, a lawful sport like fishing, exhibiting knives or genuine religious purposes (eg) the Sikhs Faith.
"It's important to remember that you need to be undertaking or travelling to or from the prescribed activities to be lawfully in possession of the knife. Outside of this, action can be taken against you,” Chief Inspector Johnson said.
"Your local police are on the streets 24/7 looking for people possessing illegal items, this includes knives, drugs and other dangerous articles.
“It's all about making our community safer."