No questions asked: Police set up collection points for weekend gun amnesty

Tasmanians with “illegal or unwanted” firearms have the chance to hand them in, no questions asked, during a statewide amnesty drive this weekend.

Police will set up collection points across the south, north and west of the state on both Saturday and Sunday as part of the permanent firearms amnesty program.

Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the initiative will get dangerous weapons off the streets.

“The amnesty means you can surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, firearm parts, ammunition or gel blasters that have the appearance of a firearm at any time without fear of being prosecuted for the possession,” he said.

The two-day drive will feature 10 collection points at Franklin, Hamilton, Longford, Campbell Town, Smithton, Wynyard, Port Sorell, East Devonport, Ulverstone and Wivenhoe.

Police are urging anyone with firearms to transport them safely and follow the correct handover process at the designated drop-off spots.

“If you have items to surrender, come to the mobile amnesty drive, transport the items safely and legally in your vehicle, leave them in your vehicle and walk up and speak to officers who will safely retrieve the items,” Bodnar said.

“We know there are people in our community that have illegal or unwanted firearms in their possession and this weekend is an opportunity to surrender them to police, to ensure they don’t end up in the wrong hands.”