Operation Unification – targeting illicit firearms has concluded, but members of the community are being reminded that an amnesty for handing in firearms in Tasmania remains in place permanently.

For the past two weeks Operation Unification has been undertaken in all policing jurisdictions around the country, raising community awareness about the dangers of illicit firearms.

“Information provided by the public is vital in helping us solve crime and over the past fortnight we have been encouraging members of the community to contact Crime Stoppers with any information they may have regarding illicit firearms,” said Detective Inspector David Plumpton.

As part of Operation Unification, Tasmania Police has conducted a number of searches Statewide. During the searches 33 weapons have been seized and 17 people have been proceeded against for a variety of charges, including Possession of firearms without a licence, Possess unregistered firearm, Possess shortened firearm and Possession of ammunition.

“We thank members of the public for making the calls to Crime Stoppers and all information has been acted upon,” said Inspector Plumpton.

“Operation Unification has concluded but we continue to work on removing illicit firearms from within the community.

“We take any incident where firearms are involved extremely seriously and remind members of the community they can report information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 at any time and remain anonymous,” he said.

Tasmania has a permanent amnesty for handing in firearms. The amnesty, under the Firearms Act 1996, allows any unauthorised firearms to be handed in to a police station with no action taken in relation to the illegal possession of the firearms.

Tasmania Police regularly conducts firearms checks. In the last financial year to date more than 3000 inspections have been undertaken. Further information on safe storage of firearms can be found on the Tasmania Police website on www.police.tas.gov.au