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SUNRAYSIA police are holding a firearms amnesty. This is a genuine initiative to get illegal, unwanted and unregistered guns out of the community – no questions asked.
Guns, in the wrong hands, are dangerous and unregistered guns pose a massive risk to our community. They are used in horrific crimes and are featuring more and more in gang violence and drug activity.
I have had personal experience dealing with an offender who was armed with a loaded weapon. The firearm was stolen and should not have been in the possession of the person who had it. While no one in that incident got hurt, it could have ended very badly.
So please, help us prevent guns getting into the wrong hands. Strict laws are in place to make sure that guns are registered and stored so that they are secure and the person owning them has a lawful reason to do so and is of good character.
To those who own firearms should review how they are stored. Make sure the ammunition is stored separately to any firearms. Is it possible that a burglar could get hold of them easily? If so, it might be a good time to upgrade the safe.
The price of a good gun safe is a lot less than the cost of most guns. Make sure the safe is securely bolted to the floor and wall if possible. Importantly, keep the keys secure and well away from the safe.
Local police will be stepping up storage inspections and there are significant penalties in place for failing to store guns and ammo correctly. Anyone who has licensed firearms should expect a visit.
Anyone who knows anyone who may have a gun kicking around that they do not use should make them aware of the amnesty.
To make it easier for members of the public to dispose of unwanted guns, we can come and pick them up or owners can bring them to a police station. People who do this are advised to bring the firearm wrapped in plastic, paper or cloth, leave the firearm in the car and come in and let us know there is a firearm to surrender. Nothing is worse than the reaction people may get when walking into a police station with a rifle.
For those who aren’t keen on involving police, guns can be taken to a firearms dealer and surrendered. And please – make sure the firearm is safe before transporting it. Remove any magazine and ammunition and, preferably, install a chamber flag.
Please help us make the community safer.
