The federal government and Crime Stoppers have launched a National Illicit Firearms Campaign to remove illegal guns from the community.
The three-month campaign encourages people to anonymously share what they know about illegal guns and to surrender those in their possession.
“Illegal guns are more likely to be used in crime, more likely to be defective or insecurely stored, and more likely to be involved in accidents. There is no excuse – indeed no legitimate reason – for anyone in Australia to have an illicit firearm,” Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said.
“Our message is simple – if you have an illicit firearm, do the right thing; do the right thing by your friends, family and community; do the right thing by yourself – hand it in. If you surrender it, you can do so without penalty. The alternative is a knock on your door from the police and the potential for serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment.”
There are more than 260,000 unregistered guns estimated to be in circulation in Australia.
Crime Stoppers Australia chair, Dr Vince Hughes, said all Australians should consider how they would feel if they had information about an illegal gun that was then used to harm or kill someone.
“Criminals often go to great lengths to obtain a firearm illegally and then conceal it from authorities, and it’s unlikely they would go to that effort unless they are prepared to use it,” Dr Hughes said.
“The demand for illegal firearms is driven by organised crime groups right through to low-level individual criminals, who want and use firearms to protect their interests and to commit violent acts.
“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.”
To share information about an unregistered or illegal gun, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go visit: crimestoppers.com.au
