Since July this year, NSW Crime Stoppers have been encouraging residents to hand in or register unwanted, illegal, and unregistered firearms as part of the National Firearms Amnesty.
So far the amnesty has already resulted in over 1,700 firearms being handed in and more than 2,200 registered across the state.
NSW Crime Stoppers and the NSW Police Force wish to thank those members of the community who have participated in the amnesty.
CEO of NSW Crime Stoppers at Tweed Heads
At a press conference at the Tweed Heads police station this morning, CEO of NSW Crime Stoppers Peter Price AM said it is a great result so far and it shows people in the community want to do the right thing. ‘We want to encourage others in the community to do the same. There may be old firearms that you haven’t used for a long time or no longer want or need, or firearms that previously haven’t been registered.
‘Gun crime crosses borders. It may not cause harm in your community but in a community far away. Please, for the safety of your family, friends, and the wider community, just hand them in,’ he said.
‘All of us have seen the harm that is caused by the unlawful use of a firearm and the impact on community confidence that often follows, which is why we all have a part to play in making our community safer – that’s our aim.’
No cost and no penalty
Under the amnesty, people can register or surrender illegal firearms, unregistered or unwanted firearms, ammunition and firearm parts at no cost and without penalty, while ensuring those with a legitimate need to access firearms are able to do so. Firearms can be surrendered to a police station or licenced firearms dealer without penalty.
Crime Stoppers says that like batteries, paint, and e-waste, you can’t just throw away a firearm.
NSW Police and Crime Stoppers are encouraging NSW residents to take advantage of the amnesty to surrender their firearms, gun parts and ammunition, without fear of being penalised for illegal possession.
Focus is public safety
NSW Police Force’s Police Prosecutions and Licensing Enforcement Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook, said the focus is public safety. ‘We want to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the community, so they don’t fall into the hands of criminals, who use unregistered firearms for intimidation and violence.’
Participating dealers can now accept and record unregistered firearms through the NSW Police Force’s new Gun Safe platform.
NSW Police Force’s Firearms Registry Commander, Superintendent Cameron Lindsay, said Gun Safe provides firearms dealers enhanced recording and reporting functions, and real-time information about firearms on the system.
‘The amnesty module, which joins other functionality for dealers, licence applicants and firearm licence holders, has meant that firearms handed in under the amnesty are recorded in real-time in the Firearm Registry database,’ Supt Lindsay said.
More information about the amnesty and surrendering, registering, or selling unwanted firearms is available from: crimestoppers.com.au/firearmamnesty.
