TWEED POLICE have warned residents, especially local youngsters, not to purchase “ninja star” fidget spinners which they say are illegal and could carry serious penalties.
In a media statement, local police said they had seized several fidget spinners that mimic Shuriken, or star-shaped metal weapons, during the past week from local schools.
“Some of these items are quite dangerous and do fall under the criteria of Prohibited weapons (Star knives),” the police statement reads.
Although illegal, the ninja star fidget spinner stars are widely advertised online with no mention of being a banned weapon.
“Most are being introduced into the country from Indonesia and similar countries,” police said.
In closing police highlighted the seriousness of the weapon, which they said could carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.
“It is an offence to possess or use a prohibited weapon unless the person is authorised to do so by a permit,” police said.
It should be noted that fidget spinners are not illegal, however items that mimic weapons and those made from steel or other dangerous materials are illegal or can be considered illegal.