More than 4,000 weapons have been processed to date in Queensland since the launch of the statewide weapons and firearms amnesty first took effect in February.
With less than one month until the amnesty’s completion, the community is commended for their efforts and encouraged to continue to hand back and surrender for destruction, unregistered firearms and other weapons.
Project manager, Inspector Peter Assfalg said until April 30, appropriately licensed members of the public can still register previously unregistered firearms through firearms dealers, armourers, firearms sporting clubs as well as police stations.
“The amnesty has been hugely successful to date as it has allowed people who are in possession of an unregistered firearm to make it legitimate without being penalised,” Inspector Assfalg said.
“Additionally, unlicensed owners can apply for a licence and anyone can surrender their unregistered firearm to be destroyed or sold to a firearms dealer.
“Unregistered firearms can be surrendered during the amnesty to local firearms dealers or police stations without prosecution for the possession.
Personal details or reasons for the possession may not be required,” Inspector Assfalg said.
On average, 75 weapons per day have been handed in during the amnesty. Of the 4,074 weapons presented, 786 have been surrendered for destruction, 3,237 for registration and 51 for safe keeping.
Three stolen firearms were recovered and the Amnesty Information team has received in excess of 1600 inquiries
A Firearms Amnesty Information Line was established to assist with amnesty inquiries (1300 833 548). The number is operational until April 30, 2013, Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.
For more information, call the Firearms Amnesty Information Line on 1300 833 548 or email: firearmsamnesty@police.qld.gov.au