A GUN amnesty announced almost two months ago began in NSW on Sunday, July 1.
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NSW Police, with the support of the State government, announced the state-wide Firearms Amnesty following the success of last year’s national campaign.
During the three-month period in 2017, NSW netted 24,831 firearms and 1898 firearm parts for destruction, sale or registration – more than any other state or territory – prompting another operation to reduce the number of unregistered and unwanted firearms in the community.
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Anyone with an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item in their possession will have the chance to legally dispose, or register it, without penalty between 1 July and 30 September.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said clearly there were still firearms in the community that people no longer want or would like to register.
“Whether the firearm was inherited or found, the three-month amnesty period will allow them to come forward and legally dispose or register it without penalty,” Mr Grant said.
This is another opportunity for people to get rid of any firearm or parts without the fear of prosecution.
- Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy
Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy said in 2017 we had nearly 8000 firearms handed in for destruction – including 951 handguns and 5558 shotguns – about 15,000 handed in for registration and 2100 handed in for sale.
“This is another opportunity for people to get rid of any firearm or parts without the fear of prosecution,” Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
Deputy Commissioner Regional NSW Field Operations Gary Worboys said every firearm captured in the amnesty is one we previously knew nothing about and risked falling into the hands of criminal gangs or organised crime syndicates.
"I'd like to remind all those who own a firearm they have a legal obligation to ensure it is safely and securely stored at all times,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Firearms and firearm-related items can be surrendered under amnesty arrangements at approved drop-off points, which include licensed firearm dealers, mobile stations, and police stations.
Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into public places – including police stations.
Anyone with concerns about handling firearms or safely transporting them, can contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562 for assistance.
For more information visit www.police.nsw.gov.au
