UPDATE: A major police operation in Orange’s CBD has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of weapons, including knives and a homemade taser. The crackdown, dubbed Operation Ares, aims to combat rising knife crime and enhance community safety.
Conducted on December 22, 2023, from 9 AM to 9 PM, the operation involved officers from the Central West Police District using handheld metal-detecting scanners to identify potential threats in the city’s retail precincts.
During the operation, at approximately 3:50 PM, police approached a 29-year-old man at a shopping center on Kite Street. A search uncovered items believed to be stolen, leading to his arrest. He was charged with two counts of entering enclosed land without lawful excuse, possession of stolen goods, and larceny. The man was denied bail and is scheduled to appear before the Bail Division Court 4 on December 23.
Earlier that day, around 1:30 PM, officers detained a 23-year-old man at a park on Byng Street. During the search, police found a knife, resulting in charges of custody of a knife in a public place—this being a subsequent offence. He received a field court attendance notice and is set to appear in Orange Local Court on February 12, 2026.
This operation reflects a growing commitment by local law enforcement to address safety concerns and reduce knife-related incidents in the community. Authorities emphasize the importance of such high-visibility operations in reassuring residents and enhancing public safety.
As tensions regarding knife crime escalate, updates from the police are expected in the coming days. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to help maintain safety in the area.
