Queenslanders Help Gun Crime Crackdown
A major Crime Stoppers Queensland firearm crackdown has been hailed a success with more than 1,600 firearms surrendered to police, of which almost 40 were deemed ‘firearms of interest.’
After the commencement of the national firearms amnesty in July 2021, Crime Stoppers Queensland travelled more than 6,500 kilometres across the state, encouraging people to do the right thing and hand in unwanted or unregistered firearms.
Since the start of the illicit firearms campaign, 1684 firearms have been surrendered and have had detailed provenance checks completed on them by Queensland Police Weapons Licensing.
The 4-month, state-wide campaign has been aimed at reducing the risk posed by illicit weapons in the community.
- A total of 608 weapons were handed in to police
- 1,076 were handed in to licensed firearms dealers
- 213 firearms were handed in anonymously
- A total of 39 firearms have been classified as ‘firearms of interest.’
While Australia has some of the toughest gun controls in the world, illicit firearms are an increasingly desirable commodity facilitating criminal activity.
Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO Carmen Jenkinson said the fight against gun crime continues to ramp up as Queensland communities joined forces to dramatically reduce the risk of illicit weapons falling into the wrong hands.
“The work of our volunteers over the past few months has been admirable, hitting the pavement, meeting locals and working with state-wide firearms dealers to ensure the ongoing safety of our communities,” she said.
“Our message throughout the campaign has been to keep your firearm licence current, ensure all of your firearms are registered and keep them securely stored.
“Crime Stoppers Queensland is very thankful for the support from the public and Queensland firearms dealers who have helped with handing in unwanted or unregistered firearms. This dramatically reduces the risk of them being stolen and used for criminal activity.”
Australia has estimated 250,000 long arm and 10,000 handguns that are either unregistered or unable to be registered, as well as prohibited firearm accessories.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan, said public safety was always paramount.
“The permanent amnesty which is now in place will support our efforts to ensure Queensland is a safer place.
“Queensland’s strong gun laws are playing their part and now the permanent amnesty will work alongside those strong laws to further enhance community safety.
“The amnesty strikes a sensible balance by providing people who possess weapons they no longer need or want with a convenient process to hand them in.
“The amnesty also operates in a manner that takes into consideration the needs of firearm dealers who are helping to facilitate the disposal of these weapons.
“I would like to thank all of the dealers who are supporting the amnesty.
“And I would especially like to commend Crime Stoppers Queensland for their dedicated efforts travelling the state to get the message out about the amnesty.”
Unregistered firearms pose a serious threat to our local communities because they are difficult to trace and can fall into the hands of criminals. The permanent amnesty provides an opportunity to safely dispose of a firearm without cost or penalty.
Being caught with an unregistered or illegal firearm outside amnesty conditions could result in a fine of up to $66,725, up to 13 years in jail, and a criminal record.