A 19-year-old Miandetta man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today in relation to firearms, drug and stealing offences.

Hobart Uniform officers were on foot patrol in the CBD yesterday afternoon when the man allegedly stole items from a business.

He was quickly arrested at the scene.

Police allege the man was found to be in possession of the stolen items, as well as a homemade firearm, and a quantity of cannabis.

Inspector John Toohey said Tasmania Police remained committed to protecting the community and local businesses by detecting and preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour. 

“Our community deserves to feel safe at home, out in public and in their workplaces,” he said.

“Illegal and unregistered firearms are a risk to our communities, and I urge anyone with information about these firearms to come forward – your information can help police to remove these items from our streets.

“For anyone that has an illegal or unregistered firearm, there is a permanent amnesty in Tasmania and unregistered or unwanted firearms can be handed in to police or licensed firearms dealers without any action being taken.”

The man has been charged with stealing, unlawful possession, possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued, possess loaded firearm in public when not the holder of a firearm licence, possess ammunition, selling and possessing a control plant, namely cannabis. 

Anyone with information in relation to illegal firearms or criminal activity is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – information can be provided anonymously.