Police and Crime Stoppers are again encouraging people in southern Tasmania to hand in unwanted or illegal firearms and ammunition, with a firearms amnesty in place at Sorell this weekend.

Between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 4 September, Tasmania Police will be at the Sorell Memorial Hall to receive unwanted and illegal firearms and ammunition from members of the community.

“If you or someone you know has illegal or unwanted firearms or ammunition, or gel blasters that imitate firearms, this is yet another opportunity to hand the items over without fear of being prosecuted,” said Senior Sergeant Ben Duffey.

“If anyone is unable or uncomfortable transporting items themselves, they can attend the Sorell Memorial Hall and speak to our officers, or phone their local police station, and police will organise collection.”

Anyone attending the amnesty is asked to drive to the Sorell Memorial Hall and leave the items in their parked vehicle until they have spoken to the police officers on site. 

CEO of Crime Stoppers Tasmania, Jane Crosswell said the organisation was pleased to be supporting Tasmania Police with the firearms amnesty.

“Crime Stoppers Australia has been running a National Illegal Firearms campaign since July, aimed at reducing the number of unwanted, unregistered and illegal firearms across the country by encouraging people to hand them in.”

Tasmania has a permanent firearms amnesty, and regularly conducts mobile amnesties across the state.

Anyone who knows anything about illegal firearms in the community is encouraged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously online at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.