By Renee Wood
A public awareness campaign has launched urging Victorians to hand in illegal firearms or report someone who you suspect possesses one.
The Federal Government and Crime Stoppers have joined together to spread the message, in an attempt to get illegal guns off the streets.
It follows on from the permanent national firearms amnesty coming into effect in July last year, which saw 11,000 guns handed in to the authorities.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews encouraged people to hand illegal firearms in before police come knocking.
“Our message today is very clear, and that is, if you have an illegal firearm in your possession does the right thing and hand them in.”
The Government’s agenda is to keep the community safe by removing illegal firearms, which can be used in serious crimes and are often secured poorly.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood said criminals often target properties where they believe illegal guns might be kept, including farms.
“Illegal guns are often difficult to trace, helping criminals kill without fear, repercussion or used in serious crimes,” Mr Wood said.
“We also know that victims of domestic violence are at greater risk of harm if their partner or ex partner has access to an illegal gun.”
Community engagement and promotional events will be held in regional and metropolitan communities during the three month campaign.
Victorians are also being urged to anonymously report an illegal firearm owner to Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers Chief Executive Stella Smith now is the time to hand it in or risk being reported on.
“I commend the Australians for coming forward but more work needs to be done to keep Australians safe from gun violence,” Ms Smith said.
“For those who know of someone who has an illegal firearm and aren’t prepared to hand it in, then call Crime Stoppers.”
The permanent amnesty means people who have an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item can surrender it to a police station anonymously without penalty, for registration, sale or destruction.
Licensed firearms dealers can also receive surrendered firearms in most states and territories. An unwanted firearm may also be handed in.
