Crime Stoppers and police across the country are giving Australians a chance to surrender for destruction unwanted or unregistered firearms, parts, and ammunition at no cost and without penalty for illegal possession.
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Locally, more than 50 weapons have been surrendered to the Nowra Police Station since the start of the National Firearms Amnesty on July 1.
South Coast Police stations throughout the Southern Region and participating firearm dealers can accept the weapons.
Officer in charge of Nowra Police Station, Inspector Ray Stynes said the aim of the amnesty is to reduce the number of unregistered firearms in Australia.
"We want to get those guns off the street," Insp Stynes said.
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Weapons so far surrendered to Nowra Police include, rifles, shotguns and even a couple of muskets.
"Some of the weapons have come from deceased estates," Insp Stynes said.
People can just surrender their weapons either with police or at gun dealers and there are no questions asked.
- Officer in charge of Nowra Police Station, Inspector Ray Stynes
"And we understand that - quite often older relatives can have weapons that family members don't even know about.
"Others weapons have been handed in by people who say they have had them for years but no longer want them.
"People can just surrender their weapons either with police or at gun dealers and there are no questions asked.
"It's all about getting these weapons off the streets."
Other prohibited weapons like swords have also been surrendered.
Once the amnesty period is complete, the weapons surrendered on the South Coast will be disposed of.
A list of firearm dealers participating in the amnesty and a webpage to assist in locating your nearest police station is available here.
It is suggested that anyone wanting to surrender a weapon contact the participating firearms dealer or your local police station, prior to attending the location with a firearm, firearm related articles or prohibited weapon.
Before taking a firearm to a participating firearms dealer or a police station, make sure the firearm is unloaded and where possible, remove the bolt or other method to render the firearm safe.
Place the firearm in a gun bag or wrap in a blanket.
Ammunition can be taken at the same time as a firearm; however, it must be stored in a separate bag, box or container.
The amnesty coincides with the launch of Gun Safe - a new online portal for managing firearms transactions in NSW.
Designed with community safety top of mind, this platform is the first of its kind replacing manual licence applications with real time information and verification.
The portal will be linked to the acquisition of firearms in NSW and disposal of firearms locally and interstate.
This risk-based system notifies the registry of unusual or unverified transactions which will reduce risk of harm in the community.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the introduction of a permanent national amnesty sends a clear message that community safety is paramount.
"This new permanent amnesty will allow community members to surrender for destruction unwanted or unregistered firearms and ammunition cost free," Mr Elliott said.
"Gun safe, the new online portal will ensure that all firearms transactions are accounted for, giving the community peace of mind that police can access real time information when it comes to guns to help prevent crime and keep our communities safe."
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Robert Crawford
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
