Australia

Big change for Coles amid crackdown on knife crime

Supermarket giant Coles has imposed major restrictions on the sale of a popular kitchen item in dozens of stores, amid fears for the safety of shoppers and staff.

The Smeg knife range, which can currently be redeemed via Flybuys points, has been withdrawn from 26 stores across Australia in a major move to tackle crime.

The items have been banned from 24 Coles stores in Victoria, one each in Queensland and NSW.

It follows the example of supermarket rival Woolworths, which pulled knives from 350 stores across the country after a stabbing at the checkout of a Melbourne store in 2021.

Coles spokeswoman Martine Alpins said the supermarket giant takes the welfare of its customers seriously.

“Safety is the number one priority when it comes to our team members and of course our customers,” Ms. Alpins said. 7 News.

“We’re hearing from our team members, we’re hearing from the community that they would rather not have them [Smeg knives range] in those stores due to special incidents that occurred.’

She urged other retailers to consider whether selling the items reflects the safety concerns the community has about knives.

The Smeg knife range (pictured) has been banned from 24 stores in Victoria, while the products are also not being sold in some stores in Queensland and NSW

The Smeg knife range (pictured) has been banned from 24 stores in Victoria, while the products are also not being sold in some stores in Queensland and NSW

“They are available at many retailers across Australia and they should be available, but I think it’s important that retailers are aware of what’s going on,” Ms Alpins said.

Some buyers were happy with the measure, while others labeled it an ‘overreaction’.

Meanwhile, Aldi says it is following the rules when selling special purchase knives to customers.

Australia has been rocked by major incidents involving individuals using knives, putting the safety of shoppers at risk.

The Smeg knife range has also been withdrawn from Coles in Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction.

Six people – five women and a male security guard – were killed in April when Joel Cauchi carried out a stabbing attack in the busy Westfield in the east of the city.

A nine-month-old girl was among 12 others stabbed before the knifeman was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott.

Some shoppers supported the move to ban the item from supermarkets, while others branded the decision an 'overreaction' (photo from a Coles store).

Some shoppers supported the move to ban the item from supermarkets, while others branded the decision an ‘overreaction’ (photo from a Coles store).

A man aged 60 and a security guard were allegedly stabbed by a man at a Woolworths store in Barkly Square, in Brunswick, in Melbourne’s north, in October 2021.

Woolworths announced at the time that they would be temporarily removing knives and scissors from stores across the country – a move that has since become permanent across 350 stores.

Queensland and Victoria have the strictest knife laws in Australia.

Knives may not be sold to anyone under the age of 18 in the Sunshine State.

Anyone caught with a knife in a public place could be put behind bars or fined $5,750.

Someone caught carrying a knife can be jailed for up to a year in Victoria.

Selling a knife to someone under the age of 18 carries a fine of up to $46,154 or a prison sentence of two years.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles, Woolworths and Aldi for further comment.

Knife laws in Australia

N.S.W

The penalty for possessing a knife in the state has risen from $2,200 to $4,400 following a change to the Crimes Act in 2023.

Tougher offenses were also introduced against those caught with a knife in a public place or school and wielding a knife in any of these areas.

The maximum prison sentences for these crimes were extended from two years to four years.

ACT

Under ACT Crimes Act laws, people can possess a knife in a public place or school without reasonable excuse.

Reasonable excuses permitted under the provisions of the legislation include the fact that a knife is necessary for work, food preparation or for religious purposes.

Anyone caught in possession of a knife without a reasonable excuse could face a fine of up to $1,600 or up to six months in prison.

Victoria

Someone caught carrying a knife can be jailed for up to a year in Victoria.

Selling a knife to someone under the age of 18 carries a fine of up to $46,154 or a prison sentence of two years.

Carrying a knife for self-defense purposes is not a valid excuse under state law.

Queensland

Knives may not be sold to anyone under the age of 18 in the Sunshine State.

Anyone caught with a knife in a public place could be put behind bars or fined as much as $5,750.

Tasmania

Carrying a knife in public places in Tasmania is an offense.

Anyone caught committing this act could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to $9,750.

South Australia

Most knives in South Australia are considered a prohibited weapon and therefore the item cannot be carried in a public place or school without an exemption.

Anyone who commits the offense faces a maximum fine of $2,500 and six months in jail.

Selling knives to people under the age of 16 is also illegal. This offense carries a $20,000 fine or two years in prison.

Western Australia

Knives are considered a prohibited or controlled weapon in WA and the item cannot be carried by anyone without a legal excuse.

Anyone who attempts to carry knives could be fined up to $36,000 or jailed for three years.

Northern Territory

Possession of a knife in a public place is illegal without a lawful excuse.

Anyone found guilty of carrying a prohibited weapon without reasonable excuse will face a maximum penalty of two years behind bars or a fine worth $70,400.

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