South Australia Police and Crime Stoppers are encouraging people in the Riverland to help reduce the number of unwanted, unregistered, or illicit firearms in the community.
The National Firearms Campaign encourages people to take advantage of the National Firearms Amnesty and surrender firearms, parts without fear of penalty.
Inspector Ryan Meakin said if people in the Riverland have a firearm they no longer want or need, they can hand it into the local police station or participating licenced firearms dealer (there are three in the Riverland).
"Whether it's an inherited family heirloom, an old gun left in the back of the shed, received from a friend or family, or a firearm legally registered but no longer needed, they all remain a potential risk to community safety," Inspector Meakin said.
"The amnesty provides opportunity to safely dispose of a firearm without cost or penalty."
Compensation is not offered for firearms surrendered through the amnesty, but people can remain anonymous when surrendering an unauthorised firearm or other unauthorised item for destruction.
Grey market firearms - those that should have already been handed in or registered - are not typically kept by people with any criminal intent, but the concern with these firearms is that they can end up in the hands of people who plan to use them for criminal purposes.
"The added challenge that comes with grey market firearms is that when they become lost or stolen an owner is less likely to report this to police because they worry about being prosecuted for having an unregistered firearm to begin with – so handing it in for destruction removes that burden," Inspector Meakin said.
The protection of the amnesty is only available if a person surrenders it to a police station or licensed firearms dealer and surrenders it. The amnesty does not apply for persons who maintain possession of an unauthorised or illegal firearm or other item. Police will investigate any surrendered firearm recorded as stolen property or suspected of being involved in a crime.
Being caught with an unregistered firearm outside amnesty conditions could result in a fine of up to $35,000, up to seven years in jail, and a criminal record.
More information about the General Firearms Amnesty is available at www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons
Information about the National Firearms Amnesty is available at www.crimestoppers.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
