Amnesty - No questions asked of gun owners
Adelaide Advertiser, Page: 13. Saturday, 24 January 2009.
Deadly military-style rifles, forgotten rabbit-hunting rifles and worn-out handguns have been turned in to police without penalty during an amnesty on unregistered firearms.
More than 370 firearms - including Chinese assault rifles, complete with factory fitted bayonet, WWII German Luger semiautomatic pistols and revolvers have been surrendered since December 1 last year.
Police urge more owners to give up unwanted and unregistered firearms before the amnesty ends on February 28.
Police will ask no questions and apply no penalty regardless of the type or lethal capacity of the surrendered firearms.
Firearms Branch officer-in-charge Chief-Inspector Jim Langmead said eight military assault Class-D rifles had been handed to police. “I ‘m surprised we’re still getting Class-D firearms but (police) jurisdictions in other states are reporting they’re still finding them too.” he said. “They were very popular in the 1980s but they’re heavily restricted now.” Only professional shooters involved in eradicating animal vermin in the Outback can be licensed for Class-D weapons. “We get some very old, rusty firearms and if they’re still capable of firing, the force of detonation can be significant and dangerous,” Chief-Insp Langmead said.
“Sometimes, firearms have been stored away for years and, if granddad or dad dies, the family might not know they’re there.”
A Walkerville man, who did not want to be named, said he found two forgotten rifles when he moved house for the first time in 40 years.
Firearms can be handed in to police without penalty but there are heavy penalties for those who miss the deadline. “If you get caught you’ll certainly lose the firearm, you’ll certainly be fined and if you are a licensed firearm holder you will lose your licence,” Chief-Insp Langmead said. “In extreme cases, depending on the class of firearm, you could go to jail.” Police collected 1490 firearms in a 2003 amnesty and have seized about 1700 more since.
Chief-Insp Langmead expected about 500 guns to be turned in this time. “The reason for the low number is the success of the 2003 amnesty and the seizures,” he said.
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