ACT Region Crime Stoppers (ACTRCS) will host a community information pop-up stand at the Riverside Plaza in Queanbeyan on Tuesday, to promote the National Firearms Amnesty.
The amnesty aims to keep Australians safe by removing unwanted, unregistered, or illicit firearms from the community. Crime Stoppers urges people living in the ACT region to surrender firearms and weapon parts without fear of penalty.
Possessing an unregistered firearm can have serious consequences, but the community can report possession and trade of illicit firearms to Crime Stoppers.
Getting illegal firearms out of the community helps to prevent the injury and death guns cause. Last year, the National Firearms Amnesty led to more than 11,000 guns surrendered or seized.
To help spread the word in Queanbeyan, Crime Stoppers will partner with the AFP Firearms Register and NSW Police from the Monaro Police District to promote the amnesty, answer questions from the community, and explain how and where to safely dispose of a firearm.
- Gun amnesty – Phase Two begins
- Find out more about the Firearms Amnesty in Tuggeranong
- ACT residents, show us your illicit guns
Oliver Forrester, recently elected Chair of ACT Region Crime Stoppers, will attend the event.
“The general public is aware of the dangers that guns can pose, but I think we often forget these dangers exist within our own communities,” he said.
“There are an estimated 260,000 unregistered guns across the nation, which could so easily cause major devastation to those around us.
People with information about the circulation of firearms can make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers.
“If you suspect that someone has an illegal gun, share what you know with Crime Stoppers before it is too late. Report safely without the need to say who you are, get involved, or put yourself at risk of harm.”
Mr Forrester invited the community to talk to Crime Stoppers and the police about the National Firearms Amnesty and gun safety at Queanbeyan.
“We are more than happy to answer questions as knowledge goes a long way in providing a safe environment for those around us,” Mr Forrester said.
When: Tuesday, 22 March, 10am – 4pm
Where: Riverside Plaza, Queanbeyan.
