Teen boy allegedly found with knife at Hunter shopping centre

A teenager at a Hunter shopping centre has been given a court attendance notice as part of a two-day police blitz targeting violent offenders, knife crime and possession of weapons in public places.

Police attempted to speak with the 16-year-old boy at a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland about 3.30pm on Thursday September 24.

After pursuing the teen on foot, police searched him and the nearby area and allegedly found and seized a knife.

He was issued a court attendance notice for custody of knife in public place and fail/refuse to comply with police officer in designated area.

He was due to appear before children's court on Thursday, October 22.

From 1pm on Thursday, September 24 to 1am on Saturday, September 26, police charged more than 150 people with more than 360 alleged offences across the state as part of Operation Foil.

After scanning 4436 people for weapons, police detected and seized 108 weapons including 85 knives, four firearms and 19 other weapons.

Officers also made 160 drug detections, executed 35 outstanding warrants, conducted 3295 roadside breath tests and carried out 500 bail compliance checks.

Operation Foil commander detective acting superintendent Michael Cantrell said the high-visibility strategy had been conducted three times this year.

"Police will continue to arrest people who choose to carry prohibited weapons in public places and put them before the court to face consequences," he said.

Police minister Yasmin Catley said nobody should ever leave home carrying a knife.

"There is no good reason to walk out your front door carrying a knife or another dangerous weapon," she said.

"You are putting yourself and everyone around you at risk."