Launceston Police are concerned about a number of firearms discharges that occurred in Ravenswood on 14 November 2013.

Residents reported hearing a firearm being discharged from the bushland at the back of Pioneer Parade during the afternoon and evening.  Of particular concern to police is an incident that occurred around 8pm to a local resident in Bendigo Street.  A female resident observed three males in the yard of a unit at Pioneer Parade arguing with the resident inside the address.  At the time she heard two loud bangs which sounded like a rifle fired in her direction.

Police are investigating the matter and will be following a number of identified avenues if investigation. 

“Our preliminary investigations indicate that this incident arises from a disagreement between a very small number of local residents.  Fortunately no-one was injured in this incident; still we remain very concerned by the actions of these few people who think it is acceptable to take the law into their own hands and in the process put the local members of their own community at risk,” said Acting Inspector Keane.

Tasmania Police ask that anyone with information about these firearms incidents or who saw a group of three males in the vicinity of Bendigo Street or Ravenswood last night to contact Crime Stoppers or Launceston CIB. 

The three males in question are all described as 15 to 18 years of age with dark clothes on.  One male was wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo on the front.

Acting Inspector Keane also wishes to remind the public that a Mobile Firearms Handback and Amnesty will be in operation at the Launceston Silverdome this weekend between 9am and 5pm.  Police will be present to provide advice on firearms storage and security as well as accepting unwanted or unregistered firearms.  Anyone wishing to surrender unwanted or unregistered firearms can do so and no action will be taken against any person who voluntarily surrenders to police a firearm or firearms they are not authorised to possess under the Firearms Act.