“Our message is simple … hand it in. If you surrender it, you can do so without penalty. The alternative is a knock on your door from the police and the potential for serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment,” she said.
Think about how you would feel if you stayed silent about an illegal gun which was then used to harm or kill someone.
That’s the powerful message from NSW Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price, as he helped launch the new National Firearms Amnesty.
Mr Price said that too often “we see the tragic loss of life and severe injuries that occur when people turn a blind eye and allow illegal firearms to remain in the community”.
Over the coming months, NSW Crime Stoppers and police will also be hosting community engagement activities as part of the amnesty to encourage people to safely share what they know about illegal guns and surrender any they may have in their possession.
Auburn Police Commander, Superintendent Danielle Emerton, said unregistered and illegal firearms posed a significant risk to the community and the amnesty was aimed at reducing their numbers.
Insp Emerton said the impacts that came with having illegal firearms in the hands of criminals could be devastating.
“Unfortunately, most crimes are committed with unregistered firearms, which circulate in criminal networks,” she said.
“By handing in and registering firearms, police gain visibility of guns in the community and can ensure they are correctly stored and only licensed to people who don’t pose a threat to others.
“I encourage people who have unwanted or unregistered firearms, to take advantage of the amnesty and play their part in keeping the community safe.
“Contact your local police and we will be happy to collect them from you.”
Under the National Firearms Amnesty, people can safely register or surrender illegal, unregistered, or unwanted firearms, ammunition and firearm parts without penalty.
There have been various amnesties and programs over the years, which have resulted in large numbers of illegal, unregistered or unwanted firearms being surrendered.
More than 11,000 guns were surrendered or seized last year.
Give up gun now
THERE is no excuse for anyone to have an illegal firearm and Home Affairs Minister, Karen Andrews, has warned those who do, should expect the police to come knocking as part of the new Gun Amnesty.