Large number of police carrying heavy weapons set to patrol Sydney Ashes series

Published: January 2, 2026

Daily London

A large number of NSW Police carrying heavy weapons will patrol the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of the first day of the Ashes series tomorrow.

A full crowd is set to be in attendance at the SCG as police look to reassure the public that gathering in large crowds is safe in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.

“Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events, but our objective here is to help the public feel safe, and police will be out in force,” NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.

Public Order and Riot Squad officers will also be present, equipped with visible long-arm rifles. (Sitthixay Ditthavong)

“The difference will be in the visibility of long arms and a stronger presence. Police will otherwise be targeting antisocial and unsafe behaviour as usual,” he said.

Uniformed and mounted police will be patrolling the grounds to reassure the public of its safety.

Public Order and Riot Squad officers will also be present, equipped with visible long-arm rifles.

Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, Commander of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics, said that the extra visibility of rifles is not due to a specific threat.

Minns suggested it would mark the beginning of a new style of policing around the state. (NSW Police Force)

“I want to emphasise that there is not any active or imminent threat,” she said.

“All PORS officers are rifle trained and have been for some time, this does not reflect any recent change in capability or weaponry.”

The extra police presence comes after one of the largest policing operations in Sydney’s history, with more than 2000 officers on duty in the central and metropolitan area during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

NSW Premier Chris Minns suggested it would mark the beginning of a new style of policing around the state.