Gelblasters and replica guns surrendered during National Firearms Amnesty

A collection of gel blasters and replica guns have been handed into Gungahlin station as the National Firearms Amnesty continues.

Hundreds of firearms have been surrendered in the ACT since the National Firearms Amnesty began on 1 July, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, gel blasters and a flame-thrower.

The Firearms Registry in Mitchell is closed to the general public during ACT COVID-19 lockdown. Community members can still surrender their firearms and related items by calling the Firearms Registry to arrange a collection or a drop-off time at a police station.

The collection of gel blasters handed in at Gungahlin station recently included two guns that strongly resembled conventional handguns.

ACT Firearms Registrar, Detective Sergeant Rod Swain said the early results showed strong support for the amnesty.

“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 Sergeant Swain said.

“In the past few months, more than four hundred firearms have been handed in. That’s more than four hundred weapons that can’t fall into the wrong hands and be used for criminal activity.”

ACT Region Crime Stoppers Chair 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.

“The National Firearms Amnesty is an important safety initiative for Crime Stoppers, ACT Policing and the Federal Government. Canberra, and I appeal to anyone in possession of a firearm or related item to take advantage of the amnesty.”

Anyone wanting to arrange surrender of firearms or firearm-related items can contact the ACT Firearms Registry on 5162 9076 or actfirearmsregistry@afp.gov.au

ACT Policing is also urging anyone with information about illegal firearms to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.

More information about the National Firearms Amnesty is available from the Crime Stoppers website.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au