Coles bans knife sales after 13-year-old's attempted murder of employee

In Australia, a significant incident occurred on January 13, 2025, when a 13-year-old boy allegedly stabbed 63-year-old Coles employee Claudia Campomayor Watt in the back at a store in Ipswich's Yamanto suburb. The attack was described as random, and it was reported that the victim was completing her work duties when the assault happened. Following the incident, the employee was taken to Princess Alexander Hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition. The Queensland Police have charged the young boy with attempted murder. In reaction to this violent act, Coles, the major supermarket chain, announced it would cease the sale of kitchen knives across its stores in the country as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson for Coles stated that the decision was taken to prioritize the safety of both customers and staff. Until January 21, customers redeeming Flybuys points for Smeg brand knives would be able to collect them, but these knives are now stored behind service desks. The decision has garnered support from industry associations, emphasizing the importance of staff and customer safety. The Queensland government is also responding to escalating youth crime, with the Premier David Crisafulli suggesting future reforms to youth sentencing laws in light of the stabbing and the recent murder of a 70-year-old in a different youth crime incident. The community and local officials expressed deep concern over rising youth violence and have called for strengthened legal measures to address this issue.