Tasmania Police have thanked the North West community for their response to the mobile firearm amnesty at Devonport and Burnie this weekend.

“The mobile firearms amnesties not only provide a proactive initiative for getting unwanted or unregistered firearms out of the community, they offer an opportunity to promote awareness of the permanent firearms amnesty in Tasmania,” said Sergeant May.

“Unwanted or unregistered firearms can be handed in to any police station, and no action will be taken for the unauthorised possession of the firearm under the Firearms Act” he said.

“From 9am Saturday morning until 5pm today (Sunday 23 March) we have received 157 firearms and various amounts of ammunition. 

• The total number of firearms surrendered in Devonport on Saturday was 77.
• The total number of firearm surrendered in Burnie on Sunday was 80.
• The total firearms surrendered included:
  • Air Rifles: 27
  • Rifles: 63
  • Shotguns: 59
  • Handguns: 8

These firearms will now be destroyed,” said Sergeant May.

“Every firearm handed in this weekend is a firearm that cannot be targeted for theft by criminals, and raises awareness of the ongoing amnesty.”

Anyone with information about firearm related crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.