Dubbo Show is disrupted after cops uncover disturbing stab list naming children as young as eight as targets

A major family event was marred after a disturbing 'stabbing list' was circulated among attendees on social media. 

The Dubbo Show, held across the weekend at the city's showground in NSW's central west, was plagued by the threat of knife crime.

An anonymous list of children's names, some reportedly as young as eight, was shared with the warning that they would be stabbed if they attended. 

Two boys, aged 11 and 12, were spoken to by police over the post, which was entitled 'Stabbing list 2024' followed by a knife emoji. 

'They will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act,' a NSW Police spokesman said. 

The list triggered widespread fear on social media among people in the Wellington, Orange and Cowra areas, with one post on the 'Dubbo Mummies' Facebook page warning attendees.

'There is a stab or get stabbed list for the Dubbos show on Sat night, please everyone & their babys (sic) be safe!' one user wrote. 

The list prompted police to increase patrols at the showground, in addition to a 'high-visibility operation' designed to keep the community safe amid a recent surge in youth crime. 

A mother also told the Daily Telegraph her 16-year-old son son was held at knifepoint at the show on Friday night.

A NSW Police spokesman said the victim and two friends he was with did not see any weapon. 

'About 7.20pm last Friday, a 16-year-old boy reported to police his ear pods and $30 cash had been taken by two other teenaged boys while outside a toilet block at Dubbo Show,' he said. 

'No weapon was sighted by the victim or two other boys with him at the time.'

Police were given a description of two boys who they believe can assist with inquiries into the alleged robbery.

'They are described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Island appearance with a tanned complexion, dark hair, wearing black clothing,' the NSW Police spokesperson added. 

'One was described as having a heavy build, while the other had a "rat’s" tail haircut.'

Dubbo MP and NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said police targeted a few kids they knew were causing problems. 

'The police were very proactive as a result of both incidents, they had a very significant presence on Saturday ... and they gave ban notices to a few kids they knew might be trouble makers,' he said.

Dubbo's chief police officer, Superintendent Tim Chinn, reportedly told Mr Saunders that officers will visit schools this week to warn children of 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 for weapons in public places without a warrant following a recent spate of stabbing incidents.

Premier Chris Minns said that the new legislation is modelled on Queensland's Jack's Law which brought in after the tragic stabbing death of teen Jack Beasley in 2019.

It allows police officers in Queensland to use a metal detecting wand in operations in city centre locations, at public transit hubs and on public transport. 

A similar scheme will be brought in for NSW which will give police powers to 'wand' or 'scan' people for knives without a warrant in designated areas, including transport hubs, shopping centres and other crowded places.