Police are encouraging people to surrender illegal or unwanted firearms or ammunition at a firearms amnesty drive across the state this weekend.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said police will be conducting the firearms amnesty drive as part of Tasmania's permanent firearms amnesty.
"The amnesty means you can surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, or gel blasters that have the appearance of a firearm at any time without fear of being prosecuted for the possession," he said.
"Along with the permanent amnesty, Tasmania Police holds mobile firearms amnesty drives across the state each year, for people to come to designated locations to surrender unwanted items."
"We know there are people in our community that have illegal or unwanted firearms in their possession, and this weekend is an opportunity to surrender them to police, to ensure they don't end up in the wrong hands."
"This weekend police will be at a range of locations in the south, north and west of Tasmania, and we encourage people to make the most of the opportunity."
"If you have items to surrender – come to the mobile amnesty drive, transport the items safely and legally in your vehicle, leave them in your vehicle and walk up and speak to officers who will safely retrieve the items."
The firearms amnesty drive will be:
➡ SOUTH:
📍 Franklin, Franklin Foreshore Park - Saturday 22 March 11am-1pm
📍 Hamilton Police Station - Sunday 23 March, 3pm-4pm
➡ NORTH:
📍 Longford Police Station - Saturday 22 March, 12noon-3pm
📍 Campbell Town Police Station - Sunday 23 March, 12noon-3pm
➡ WEST:
📍 Smithton Anzac Park, 48 King Street Smithton - Saturday 22 March, 9am-10am
📍 Wynyard Police Station, 21 Saunders Street Wynyard - Saturday 22 March, 11am-12noon
📍 Wivenhoe Recreation Centre, Wivenhoe Showgrounds, 1-7 Pearl Street Wivenhoe, 2pm-3pm
📍 Port Sorell Police Station, 2/5 Club Drive Port Sorell - Sunday 23 March, 9am-10am
📍 East Devonport Recreation Centre, 67 Caroline Street East Devonport - Sunday 23 March, 11am-12noon
📍 Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre, Flora Street West Ulverstone - Sunday 23 March, 2pm-3pm
"If you have items to surrender but you're not able to attend this amnesty drive in person, email [email protected] or call 131 444 to make arrangements for police to collect items from you."
"We know that there are people who know about illegal firearms in our community. If you have any information, I urge you to contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers Tasmania."
Crime Stoppers Tasmania Ambassador, Mark Mewis said, "Any illegal firearms in Tasmania should be of concern not only to police, but to the broader community. It is the responsibility of all of us to remove these illicit firearms, and we encourage Tasmanians to report any information they may have."
"If you know the location of any illegal firearms, or are aware of people in possession of these firearms, you can provide this information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000," added Mr Mewis."
