Operation Unification

Tasmania Police is today launching Operation Unification to remove illegal and unauthorised firearms from circulation and stop them from ending up in the hands of criminals.

The Operation will culminate with mobile firearms amnesties all around the State where people can hand in their unwanted and unregistered firearms without penalty.

Anyone with an unregistered firearm or ammunition can hand it to a police officer for disposal without fear of prosecution for its possession.

The locations are:

  • Saturday 20 June, 9am-12pm – Port Sorel Police Station
  • Saturday 20 June, 1pm-4pm – Ulverstone Police Station
  • Saturday 20 June, 9am-5pm – Hobart Cenotaph
  • Saturday 20 June, 9am-12pm – Legana Shopping Centre

Sergeant Peter May said:

“The mobile amnesties across the State this week are an opportunity for anyone to hand over an unauthorised or unwanted firearm without question.

“Under Operation Unification we’ll also be conducting inspections of firearms storage facilities and ensuring compliance with firearms legislation.

“Most people who have an unregistered firearm are regular law-abiding people who are not intending to commit an offence.

“Any gun handed in to us is a gun that cannot then be stolen or used by criminals.”

611 firearms have been handed in at mobile firearms amnesties.

Police officers will also be available to provide advice about appropriate storage requirements.

People are reminded that there is a permanent amnesty for handing over unregistered and/or unwanted firearms at police stations.

Advice for anyone who wants to hand over a firearm or ammunition:

– Ensure the firearm is unloaded before transporting it.

– Park in the designated area, where a police officer will assist.

Members of the public can also attend the mobile Police Station and speak to officers in relation to any information they may have on firearm crime or any other offences.  Alternatively information can be passed to Crime Stoppers 24 hours a day on 1800 333 000.