Tasmanians will be able to hand in their firearms - unregistered or otherwise - without fear of prosecution, as part of a major amnesty drive to take place across the state's North at the weekend.
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Police have seized 19 illegal firearms over the past two weeks as part of an ongoing targeted police operation in the Northern District.
The taskforce was formed in response to a series of gun-related crimes across the North, with at least 11 incidents involving firearms being discharged within a seven-week period.
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Detective Inspector Scott Flude said any illicit firearm was a concern to police.
"Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous and are of utmost concern to police," he said.
"We also take every opportunity to take illegal firearms off our streets by having a permanent firearms amnesty, carrying out random firearms storage inspections and investigating diligently when firearms incidents or thefts occur."
People will be able to hand in their firearms at the following locations on Saturday, May 15 between 10am-2pm:
- Carrick Community Centre Main Street Carrick
- Newnham Police Station
- Pipers River Fire Station, Pipers River
- St Helens Police Station
Those who are unable to attend in person can call Deloraine Police Station on 67 012 194 during business hours this week until Friday.
"This will enable people to arrange for police to attend and pickup firearms from any private residences in the North," Detective Inspector Flude said.
Detective Inspector Fox said people with information about illegal firearms should contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
"We know that there are people out there in the community who know people in possession of illegal firearms," he said.
"Please come forward provide information so we can take these illegal firearms off the street permanently."
Anyone with information about stolen firearms or illegal firearms activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.
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