NINE illegal firearms have been handed in to Werribee police during the first month of a statewide amnesty.
Weapons surrendered by Wyndham residents since October 1 include pistols and long-arm guns.
Werribee property officer Jane Klemenz said the stock had included rifles, shotguns and a large .44 Magnum pistol.
Under the amnesty, which runs until the end of November, Victorians can surrender illegal weapons to police without being prosecuted. “No questions asked,” Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright said.
“We just want these potentially deadly weapons off our streets.”
The latest crime statistics for Wyndham revealed a jump of more than 50 per cent in the number of weapons and explosives offences recorded — up from 170 last year to 261.
The increase was double the statewide increase of 25 per cent (from 6915 to 8697 offences).
Mr Cartwright said police would continue to target people thought to be carrying weapons.
“Anyone who chooses not to use this amnesty as an opportunity and continues to carry illegal weapons faces harsh penalties — up to two years’ imprisonment, or up to 10 years for firearms offences.”
With 1140 weapons handed in across Victoria so far, division Superintendent Russell Barrett said police were pleased with the response.
“As a community we’re getting these weapons off our streets. We know they’re out there and they shouldn’t be – whether it’s an item that is no longer wanted like an antique firearm or something that has been handmade like an improvised weapon.”
—Nick Toscano
