ACT Policing has accepted a collection of gel blasters and replica guns as part of the National Firearms Amnesty.
ACT Firearms Registrar, Detective Sergeant Rod Swain said hundreds of firearms had been surrendered in the Territory since the Amnesty began on 1 July, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, gel blasters and a flame-thrower.
“Even though the Firearms Registry in Mitchell is closed to the public during lockdown, anyone who wishes to surrender an unwanted or illegal firearm can arrange to have police attend any location within the ACT to collect it in a COVID-safe way,” Detective Sgt Swain said.
“In the past few months, more than four hundred firearms have been handed in,” he said.
“That’s more than four hundred weapons that can’t fall into the wrong hands and be used for criminal activity.”
Detective Sgt Swain said community members could surrender their firearms and related items by calling the ACT Firearms Registry on 5162 9076 to arrange a collection or a drop-off time at a police station.
Chair of ACT Region Crime Stoppers, Diana Forrester said she hoped the early success of the National Firearms Amnesty would continue.
“Unregistered firearms are a threat to our community and can fall into the hands of criminals so I thank everyone who has come forward to help keep our community safe,” Mrs Forrester said.
“I appeal to anyone in possession of a firearm or related item to take advantage of the amnesty,” she said.
Further information on the National Firearms Amnesty can be accessed at this PS News link.
