Firearms amnesty: More than 750 guns surrendered to Oxley and New England police in three months

The National Firearms Amnesty will wrap up at midnight on Saturday and police are urging locals to do the right thing before it’s too late.

Oxley police confirmed 415 firearms had been handed in by Wednesday before 30 more that had already been surrendered to firearms dealers locally were collected by officers on Thursday.

Police expect to top 450 by Saturday in the Oxley area alone – the command that boasts the most amount of registered firearms in the state already.

Oxley Sergeant James Parsons is one of the officers coordinating the haul and said automatic shotguns, long-arm rifles, pistols as well as plenty of firearm parts had been handed in. 

Firearms dealers had also recorded a swell in locals registering firearms, as the amnesty draws to a close.

“Police are reminding people they can surrender without the fear of prosecution until the amnesty finishes,” he told The Leader.

“The firearms amnesty runs until midnight on Saturday, after which serious penalties apply for anyone found in possession of unregistered firearms or without a licence.”

Since the amnesty started on July 1, New England have taken more than 300 firearms from the community.

“I can confirm that 118 firearms have been handed in to dealers pending the owner completing registration requirements and 308 handed to police,” New England Detective Inspector Ann Joy said.

In New England, the seizure included 195 rifles, 46 shotguns and firearms parts and ammunition.

Police believe even more people have registered their firearms with dealers across the New England North West. And they warn, there will be no second chances for those who hang onto weapons such as antique firearms or sentimental guns.

“The amnesty is the perfect opportunity for those people who want to hold onto guns that have a sentimental value, whether it’s a family firearm they have inherited after the passing of a relative or a firearm that they know is not properly registered,” Sergeant Parsons said.

“We want the community to know they have until Saturday to take them to the participating firearms dealers, they can lodge them and get the proper approvals, to avoid any criminal charges down the track.”