Southern Tasmanians surrendered firearms at mobile amnesty over weekend
People in Southern Tasmania surrendered 21 unregistered firearms to police at mobile amnesty days in Bridgewater and Glenorchy this weekend.
“At mobile firearms amnesty days in Bridgewater and Glenorchy this weekend, 21 unregistered firearms and a quantity of ammunition were surrendered to police,” said Senior Constable Paul Hyland.
“Surrendered were 2 pistols; 6 shotguns, 7 rifles; 2 air rifles, and 4 gel blaster imitation assault rifles.
“It’s pleasing that over the last three weekends Tasmanians have taken the opportunity to surrender firearms to police at mobile amnesty locations across the state.
“In total over this mobile amnesty drive across the state, 74 firearms have been surrendered to police – that’s 74 firearms that can no longer be stolen and used to commit crime or cause harm.”
Surrendered to police under the mobile firearms amnesty drive were:
| Mobile firearms amnesty days | Location | Items surrendered |
| 26-27 August 2023 | Devonport, Burnie, Wynyard, Smithton | * 30 firearms (6 pistols, 11 shotguns, 11 rifles, 2 gel blasters that have the appearance of a firearm) * 10 boxes of various ammunition |
| 2-3 September 2023 | Exeter, Scottsdale, Campbell Town, Deloraine | * 23 firearms (21 long arms, 2 pistols ) * quantity of ammunition |
| 9-10 September 2023 | Bridgewater, Glenorchy | * 21 firearms (2 pistols, 6 shotguns, 7 rifles, 2 air rifles, and 4 gel blaster imitation assault rifles * quantity of ammunition |
“Mobile firearms amnesty days are one measure police use in reducing the number of firearms circulating in our community,” said Senior Constable Hyland.
“It’s important to remember that under Tasmania’s permanent firearms amnesty firearms can be surrendered to police at any time by phoning 131 444 and making arrangements.”
Under Tasmania’s permanent firearms amnesty, people can surrender illegal and unwanted firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, or gel blasters that imitate a firearm, without being prosecuted for the possession.
Anyone with information about stolen or illegal firearms in the community can do their part, by providing information to police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers anonymously online at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.