ACT Policing’s National Firearms Amnesty update
ACT Policing via the National Firearms Amnesty has seen over 120 firearms handed in since the amnesty commenced on 1 July 2017.
The National Firearms Amnesty was launched by the Commonwealth Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and all state and territory police services are participating.
In the first weeks of the amnesty, 127 firearms have been surrendered to the ACT Firearms Registry by the community.
Deputy Chief Police Officer Mark Walters said that the number of firearms being surrendered to police is encouraging and is urging anyone that may have illegal firearms to surrender them during the amnesty period.
“Anyone that hands in a firearm or firearm-related item during the amnesty will be exempt from prosecution or monetary fines.
“We’ve had a vast array of firearms handed in during the early stages of the amnesty. One such firearm was an 1874 Queensland Police rifle which is in the process of being donated back to them for historical purposes. Another item was a genuine light horse leather rifle bucket.
“ACT Policing is committed to ensuring that Canberra remains a safe city and this amnesty assists in removing unregistered and unwanted firearms and firearm-related items off our streets.
“A number of firearms have been handed in by people who own other firearms, but did not have the appropriate permits to own the surrendered firearm. It’s important that firearm permit holders are aware of the legal requirements to obtain the right permit before possessing the firearm,” Deputy Chief Police Officer Walters said.
ACT Policing is urging anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.
The amnesty runs until 30 September 2017 and people wanting to surrender their firearms or firearm-related items should surrender them at the ACT Firearms Registry, 86 Vicars Street, Mitchell during business hours.
Further information about the National Firearms Amnesty can be located via https://firearmsamnesty.ag.gov.au/Pages/Australian-capital-territory.aspx.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au