A major family event was marred after a disturbing ‘sting list’ was circulated to attendees on social media.
The Dubbo Show, held this weekend at the town’s showground in NSW’s central west, has been plagued by the threat of knife crime.
An anonymous list of children’s names, some reportedly as young as eight years old, was shared with a warning that they would be stabbed if present.
Two boys aged 11 and 12 were approached by the police via the post with the title ‘Stab 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 this weekend at the town’s showground in NSW’s central west (pictured), was plagued by the threat of knife crime after an anonymous list of children’s names, some said to be as young as eight, was was shared with the warning that they would be stabbed if they were present
Two boys aged 11 and 12 were approached by the police via the post with the title ‘Stab list 2024’, followed by a knife emoji (photo)
The list caused widespread fear on social media among people in the Wellington, Orange and Cowra areas, with one post on the ‘Dubbo Mummies’ Facebook page warning those in attendance.
‘There is a sting or be stung list for the Dubbos show on Saturday night, please be safe for everyone and their babies!’ wrote one user.
The listing prompted police to step up patrols at the showground, alongside a ‘high visibility operation’ aimed at keeping the community safe amid a recent rise in youth crime.
A mother also said it Daily telegram her 16-year-old son was held at knifepoint during the show on Friday evening.
A NSW Police spokesperson said the victim and two friends he was with did not see a weapon.
“Last Friday at around 7.20pm a 16-year-old boy reported to police that his earphones had been taken and that two other teenage boys had taken $30 in cash while he was standing outside a Dubbo Show toilet block,” he said.
The list caused widespread fear on social media among people in the Wellington, Orange and Cowra areas, with one post on the ‘Dubbo Mummies’ Facebook page warning those in attendance. There were also unconfirmed reports that a 16-year-old was held at knifepoint during the show on Friday night. However, the alleged victim and two friends he was with did not see a weapon
“No weapon was observed by the victim or two other boys who were with him at the time.”
Police received a description of two boys who they believe could assist in the investigation into the alleged robbery.
“They are described as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Island appearance with a tan complexion, dark hair and black clothing,” the NSW Police spokesperson added.
“One was said to be heavy-set, while the other had a ‘rat’s tail’ haircut.”
Dubbo MP and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said police were targeting a few children they knew were causing trouble.
“The police were very proactive as a result of both incidents, they were very prominent on Saturday… and they issued a ban notice to a few children who they knew could be troublemakers,” he said.
Dubbo’s chief constable, Chief Inspector 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 NSW state government is set to introduce a tough new crackdown on knife crime, with police given new powers to scan people in public places for weapons without a warrant after a recent spate of stabbing incidents.
The listing prompted police to step up patrols at the showground, alongside a ‘high visibility operation’ aimed at keeping the community safe amid a recent rise in youth crime.
Premier Chris Minns said the new legislation is modeled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, which was introduced following the tragic death of teenager Jack Beasley in 2019.
This allows police officers in Queensland to use a metal detecting wand in operations in city centres, at public transport interchanges and on public transport.
A similar plan will be introduced for NSW, giving police the power to ‘walk’ or ‘scan’ people for knives without a warrant in designated areas including transport hubs, shopping centers and other busy places.