DETAILS of a firearms amnesty were outlined by SAPOL at a Riverland media conference held in Berri last week.
The National Firearms Campaign allows people to take advantage of the National Firearms Amnesty and hand in firearms anonymously and without penalty.
SAPOL Inspector Ryan Meakin said Riverlanders wanting to dispose their firearms can do so by handing the item into their local police station or participating licenced firearms dealer.
“Whether it’s an inherited family heirloom, an old gun left in the back of the shed, received from a friend of family member, or is a firearm that’s legally registered but no longer needed, they all remain a potential risk to the community,” he said.
“The amnesty provides opportunity to safely dispose of a firearm without cost or penalty.
“Compensation is not offered for firearms surrendered through the amnesty, but people can remain anonymous when surrendering an unauthorised firearm or other unauthorised item for destruction.”
Mr Meakin said “grey market” firearms, which should already be handed in or registered, “are not typically kept by people with any criminal intent”.
“The added challenge that comes with grey market firearms is that when they become lost or stolen, an owner is less likely to report this to the police because they worry about being prosecuted for having an unregistered firearm to begin with,” he said.
“So, handing it in for destruction removes that burden.”
Being caught with an unregistered firearm outside amnesty conditions could result in a fine of up to $35,000, up to seven years in jail, and a criminal record.
For more information, call 1800 333 000 or visit www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons.