Police are seeking information from the public in relation to several reports of firearms being discharged on Hobart’s Eastern Shore last night.

Police received four reports between 9.00pm last night and 4.00am this morning relating to what are believed to be the unlawful discharge of a firearm.  Shortly after 9.00pm, residents of Geilston Bay alerted police to the apparent gunshots in the area of the East Derwent Highway.  Around 40 minutes later, a second call was received from residents in Midway point who reported hearing gunshots.

The third incident occurred around 10.20pm on the South Arm Highway between Mornington and Howrah.  A resident reported hearing up to 7 gunshots being fired from a vehicle travelling towards Howrah.  The final report was in the Howrah area near Savoy Place at around 4.00am.

Police responded to all reports but no vehicles were sighted and no suspects were identified. 

Police say there have been no reports of damage in relation to the incidents and it does not appear as though the offenders were targeting any particular area. 

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have information about the identity of persons responsible for the illegal discharge of firearms relating to these incidents.

Information can be passed to Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Bessell at Bellerive CIB on 6230 2318 or to the Crime Stoppers hotline on 1800 333 000.

Such information from the public recently resulted in the recovery of a number of illegally obtained firearms.

Detectives from the Bellerive Criminal Investigation Branch, as a result of information from members of the public, conducted a search of a rural property near Hobart in late September and recovered nine firearms. 

Investigators have been able to trace a number of these firearms back to residential burglaries over the last five years.  One of the firearms seized has been shortened and Detectives are examining the possibility of this firearm having been used in recent serious crimes. 

Investigations, including forensic examinations of the firearms, are continuing and it is likely that charges will be laid in relation to the theft and unlawful possession of these firearms.

The seizure of such a significant number of unlawfully obtained firearms is important in the prevention of further serious crime and police would like to acknowledge that the receipt of information from the public is of great assistance in the recovery of illicit firearms.

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