The NSW Police Force is backing a national effort to reduce the number of illegal guns in the community, by partnering with Crime Stoppers NSW to support this year’s National Illicit Firearms Campaign.
Firearms Registry Commander for the NSW Police Force, Superintendent Cameron Lindsay said police needed the community’s help to take illegal guns off the streets.
“We want to remind everyone of the risk that unregistered firearms pose to the community,” Superintendent Lindsay said.
“Unfortunately, most crimes are committed with unregistered firearms, which circulate in criminal networks,” he said.
“I encourage people who have unwanted or unregistered firearms to take advantage of the amnesty and play their part in keeping the community safe.”
Superintendent Lindsay said when people handed in and registered firearms, police gained knowledge of guns in the community, could ensure they were correctly stored and only licensed to people who did not pose a threat to others.
The Commander said with an estimated 260,000 unregistered guns in circulation in Australia, it was important for the community to step up and share information they had about anyone in possession of an illegal gun.
He said over the course of the three-month campaign, Police and Crime Stoppers would host community engagement activities across the State to encourage people to share what they knew about illegal guns and to safely surrender any they may have in their possession.
“If you suspect someone has an illegal gun, share what you know with Crime Stoppers before it is too late,” he said.
“You can report safely without the need to say who you are.
“You don’t need to get involved or compromise your own safety,” Superintendent Lindsay said.
Further information on surrendering a gun in NSW can be accessed at this PS News link.
