Firearm seized Airports scaled
Firearm seized Airports scaled

Editor’s observe: Photos of seized gadgets from Australian airports can be found by way of Hightail

The AFP is warning passengers that offensive, violent and disruptive behaviour, together with incidents of ‘air-rage’ is not going to be tolerated within the air or on the bottom, as passenger numbers enhance in the course of the busy college vacation journey interval.

The passenger behaviour warning comes as AFP officers enhance patrols throughout Australian airports as a part of the varsity vacation journey interval, guaranteeing all passengers safely depart and arrive at their journey locations.

Up to now seven months, the AFP has responded to 748 incidents regarding public disturbances, intoxication and offensive behaviour at its airports.

As well as, AFP officers have reported 746 incidents associated to passengers carrying prohibited gadgets, seizing potential weapons together with bank card knives and ammunition rounds hid by passengers.

AFP officers have additionally reported a development of passengers creating public disturbances leading to ‘air-rage’ on account of missed flights, journey delays and baggage points, together with incidents of violent behaviour exterior of terminals involving disputes over taxis or rideshare automobiles.

AFP Commander Peter Bodel mentioned the AFP was dedicated to supporting airport workers and guaranteeing all travellers expertise a secure journey from their departure by to their arrival at their vacation spot.

“Airport workers are skilled to streamline safety processes and ensure everybody has a secure flight. It’s disappointing when a small variety of passengers present violent or abusive behaviour in direction of people who find themselves attempting to do their jobs, so we’re urging passengers to do the correct factor.”

Commander Bodel acknowledged the essential position the general public performed in working with police to maintain the group secure, together with within the aviation setting.

“We encourage passengers and airport workers to revisit Airport Watch and know the indicators when one thing just isn’t proper,” Commander Bodel mentioned.

“We’re calling on the travelling public to maintain their eyes and ears open as they embark on their travels not solely these college holidays, however anytime they’re heading to the airport.”

From March – September 2022, the AFP recorded incidents in any respect main airports regarding:

• Carrying prohibited gadgets

• Intoxication or offensive behaviour

• Public disturbance

• Incidents regarding assault

• Smoking in non-permitted areas

Airport Watch enhances the AFP’s present capabilities, which embrace group policing and counter-terrorism first response functionality, air safety officers, joint intelligence groups and bomb appraisal officers, together with firearms and explosives detection canines.

The utmost penalty for unruly behaviour on an plane is a $9000 tremendous (Part 256AA Civil Aviation Rules -1988) and for interfering with crew or plane is 2 years’ imprisonment (Part 24 Civil Aviation Act 1988).

In the event you require a police presence at an airport, or want to report an incident or present data, please name the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237). 

Incidents at Australian airports:

Offence

Melbourne

Sydney

Brisbane

Perth

Adelaide

Gold Coast

Cairns

Canberra

Darwin

Carrying prohibited gadgets

218

184

138

75

60

43

6

14

8

Intoxication or offensive habits

30

36

18

1

2

5

2

4

22

Public disturbance

195

167

61

72

52

50

5

8

18

Incidents regarding assault

18

17

4

6

1

7

0

2

3

Smoking in non-permitted areas

12

42

8

5

3

11

2

6

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media enquiries:

AFP Media: (02) 5126 9297

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