Gun owners have three months to surrender or register weapons

THE weird, the wonderful — and the deadly. Police unearthed a wealth of odd guns they didn’t know existed during an amnesty last year. And they’re looking for more.

NSW Police will conduct a statewide Firearms Amnesty after the success of last year’s national campaign.

During the three-month period in 2017, NSW netted 24,831 firearms and 1898 firearm parts for destruction, sale or registration — more than any other state or territory — prompting another operation to reduce the number of unregistered and unwanted firearms in the community.

Anyone with an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item will have the chance to legally dispose, or register it, without penalty between 1 July and 30 September 2018.

Firearms handed in and destroyed as part of the 2017 National Firearms Amnesty were from a wide background. Picture: NSW Police Media

Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy, said there has been continued interest from the community to dispose of unwanted firearms without penalty.

“In 2017, we had nearly 8000 firearms surrendered for destruction — including 951 handguns and 5558 shotguns — with about 15,000 handed in for registration and 2100 handed in for sale,” Deputy Commissioner Loy said.

“This is another opportunity for people to get rid of any firearm or firearm parts without the fear of prosecution.”

Deputy Commissioner Regional NSW Field Operations Gary Worboys, said gun theft is a major concern for NSW Police, particularly in regional areas.

This ancient revolver was among those collected last year. Picture: NSW Police Media

A rifle reminiscent of those used in the Wild West came in from the cold. Picture: NSW Police Media

“We are working hard to address the issue of firearm theft and it’s important we all work together and have the support of licensed firearm owners to make sure people who own guns keep them stored safely and securely,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

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“Every firearm captured in the amnesty is one we previously knew nothing about and risked falling into the hands of criminal gangs or organised crime syndicates.”

Firearms and firearm-related items can be surrendered under amnesty arrangements at approved drop-off points, which include licensed firearm dealers, mobile stations, and police stations.

An officer cuts a rifle in two after last year’s amnesty. Picture: NSW Police Media

The old, the forgotten and the just plain dangerous ended up here. Picture: NSW Police Media

Amnesty rule No. 1: Do NOT take loaded weapons into police stations. Picture: NSW Police Media

An officer takes stock, lock and barrels. Picture: NSW Police Media

Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into public places — including police stations.

Anyone with concerns about handling firearms or safely transporting them, can contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562 for assistance.

For more information visit www.police.nsw.gov.au.

Results from the National Firearms Amnesty are available at www.homeaffairs.gov.au.