The Cootamundra Local Area Command Police Force has joined the National Firearms Amnesty aimed at reducing the number of unregistered and unwanted firearms in Australia.
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Anyone with a firearm-related item or an unregistered firearm in their possession will have the chance to legally dispose, or register it without penalty between July 1 and September 30, 2017.
Cootamundra LAC Superintendent Christopher Schilt said the amnesty provides an opportunity to register or give up an unregistered firearm without penalty.
“Unregistered and illegal firearms are a significant risk to our community, especially when they end up in the hands of criminals,” he said.
“There are hefty penalties for possessing unregistered or prohibited firearms. However, amnesty arrangements provide protection from prosecution, so now is the time to dispose of them.”
Young Guns and Ammunition store attendant Justin Perrin said the amnesty is worthwhile.
"We have had a lot of inquiries about this, and we think it is a good idea," he said.
"The local police are very easy to deal with, and they know as do we that not everyone with an unregistered firearm is a criminal.
"Some people find guns when they are cleaning up after a death in a family and they have no idea what to do with Grandpa’s old gun, so this is a good idea because people can hand them in without fear of getting into trouble."
Superintendent Schilt also reminded firearm licence holders of their legal responsibility and encouraged owners to keep firearms at their primary residence as opposed to locations infrequently habited.
"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," he said.
"Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into public places – including police stations.
"Unregistered firearms are a problem, and this amnesty is just one way Police are dealing with the issue."
Anyone with concerns about handling firearms or safely transporting them can contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry for assistance.
For more information visit www.firearmsamnesty.ag.gov.au or call 1800 909 826.