More than 6400 firearms that have been handed in for registration, sale or destruction across NSW during the first month of the National Firearms Amnesty. Firearms surrendered to police and dealers so far include 1700 rifles, 460 shotguns and nearly 200 handguns. 110 prohibited weapons including samurai swords, knives, and other edged weapons have also been handed to police.
There has been locally good community response to the amnesty to date in the Far South Coast Local Area Command.
The photograph below depicts firearms that were surrendered to police for destruction at Batemans Bay Police Station.
Far South Coast Local Area Commander, Superintendent Peter O’Brien is urging the public to surrender firearms and do so in a safe manner.
“The aim of the amnesty is to reduce the number of unregistered firearms in the community to improve public safety” Superintendent O’Brien said.
“We urge the public to contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry for assistance prior to transporting the firearm”. The firearms must be unloaded and safe before being handed in.
The amnesty runs until the end of September 2017. For more information visit www.firearmsamnesty.ag.gov.au or call 1800 803 041.
