A major firearms amnesty drive will take place across North-West Tasmania next weekend so people can hand in their firearms -unregistered or otherwise- without fear of being prosecuted.

Senior Sergeant Tony Stewart said that people will be able to hand in their firearms at the following locations on Saturday 29 May between 10am-2pm:

Sheffield – Sheffield Town Hall, 66 High Street, Sheffield

Ulverstone – Gawler Room, Ulverstone Civic Centre, Patrick Street, Ulverstone

Smithton – Smithton Basketball Stadium, 110 Nelson Street, Smithton

Rosebery – Rosebery Football Clubrooms, Primrose Street, Rosebery

If you are unable to attend in person, call Burnie Police Station on 64777207 during business hours until Friday 28/5/21 to make other arrangements.

“This will enable people to arrange for police to attend and pickup firearms from any private residences in the North-West,” Senior Sergeant Stewart said.

“Any illicit firearm is a concern to Tasmania Police. Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous and are of utmost concern to police.

“We also take every opportunity to take illegal firearms off our streets by having a permanent firearms amnesty, carrying out random firearms storage inspections and investigating diligently when firearms incidents or thefts occur.

Senior Sergeant Stewart said that people with information about illegal firearms should contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

“We know that there are people out there in the community who know people in possession of illegal firearms. Please come forward and provide information so we can take these illegal firearms off the street permanently.”

Anyone with information about stolen firearms or illegal firearms activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.