Firearms amnesty launch

Police are urging western Victorians to surrender any unwanted, unregistered or illegal firearms as part of a two-month state amnesty.

People in Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera, Ararat, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack shires will have until December 31 to anonymously hand in items without fear of prosecution.

The amnesty, which officially started last week, is the first in Victoria since a national amnesty in 2017 involving the sacrifice of more than 3400 items.

Wimmera Superintendent Paul Margetts said the two-month period was focused on improving community safety.

He said people could present items to a police station or licensed firearms dealer.

“There are more than 856,000 registered firearms across the state, but it’s the unregistered firearms and dangerous weapons in the community that Victoria Police are constantly trying to reduce,” he said.

“We have seen in previous amnesties a number of items voluntarily surrendered, including high-powered firearms, handguns, imitation firearms and air rifles.

“We are asking everyone to contribute to improving community safety by surrendering items that could pose a danger, before they fall into the wrong hands.

“As far as police are concerned, if just one illicit firearm or weapon is destroyed then that has made Victoria safer.”

Supt Margetts said firearm theft, particularly at rural properties, was a concern in Victoria.

“Rural and regional property owners are at risk of firearm theft because of geographic isolation and extended absences from properties where firearms are stored,” he said.

“The majority of registered firearm owners are very responsible and treat firearms ownership with the seriousness it deserves.

“License holders are required to use common sense to store their firearms safely and securely and in accordance with legislative requirements at all times.”

The penalty for possessing an unregistered firearm starts from $19,800 or two years’ imprisonment.

Supt Margetts said people with unregistered, unwanted or illegal firearms should call their designated police station before dropping in items.

“All items must be wrapped in paper, plastic or cloth and transported to a station in a safe and secure manner,” he said.

People with a registered firearm can hand the item to a licensed firearm dealer at any time for sale or destruction.