Give up weapons free of charge
Herald Sun, Page: 28. Thursday, 2 October 2008
Police will be turning a blind eye and not charging people with weapons offences if they take advantage of an amnesty this month.
Senior officers are urging people to surrender guns, knives and swords at local police stations.
“This is a proactive initiative to reduce the amount of weapons in the community before they end up being used for crime,” Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said.
“It will also assist people who might have previously had reason to have a firearm and no longer need or want it.” The amnesty follows a successful one in Melbourne ‘s west last year that resulted in a crossbow, daggers, decorative swords, samurai swords, guns and ammunition being handed in.
A separate amnesty in Flemington last year resulted in 100 weapons being surrendered.
“We are giving people fair warning and the opportunity to help make their community safer,” Mr Walshe said.
“Anyone who chooses not to use this opportunity and carries a knife will be dealt with by police to the full extent of the law, so we ask people to make the right choice during this time.” All weapons must be wrapped in paper, plastic or cloth. Firearms must not be loaded.
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