Rocket launcher among weapons seized during amnesty

A rocket launcher, World War II flamethrower, tasers, crossbows and other WWII firearms and replicas are among weapons surrendered as a part of the three month firearms amnesty held earlier this year.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said almost 19,000 weapons were registered or surrendered during the amnesty which ran from 1 February to 30 April 2013.

“These weapons are incredibly dangerous and the amnesty has meant they have been located and taken off Queensland streets,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The successful amnesty puts Queensland in a good position coming into Operation Unification, a nationwide operation targeting illegal and stolen firearms.

“Our message during the two-week operation is that criminals will face the prospect of hard time in prison if convicted of a gun crime.

“Earlier this year we introduced tough new firearms laws to protect innocent Queenslanders and send a clear message that trafficking, supply, unlawful possession and use of illegal firearms will not be tolerated.

“We’re calling on the public to help get illicit firearms out of the hands of criminals and we will be sharing information across policing jurisdictions about firearms and associated organised crime groups.”

Mr Dempsey said the amnesty saw almost 14,000 weapons registered and almost 5,000 surrendered.

Acting Commissioner Ross Barnett said the Queensland amnesty had been highly successful particularly when compared to the 2004 amnesty statistics of just over 10,500 firearms and weapons processed.

“The purpose of the Queensland Firearms Amnesty was to give people protection from prosecution for surrendering or registering a firearm or weapon,” Acting Commissioner Barnett said.

“The Amnesty Team took almost 3,000 phone calls during the period and is now responsible for completing 13,745 firearm and weapon registrations applied for by the public.

“Weapons and firearms which are unregistered or held by an unlicensed owner are considered illicit and anyone caught under those circumstances may face arrest and/or prosecution.

“Operation Unification 2013 will focus on information provided by the public in relation to illicit firearms, allowing police to act on information and increase the recovery of stolen firearms with the aim of removing these items from the streets.”

Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO Trevor O’Hara said Operation Unification would tie in with the 3, 2, 1 campaign launched by Crime Stoppers Queensland earlier this month.

“We are confident this operation will reinforce that removing illegal firearms is as easy as 3, 2, 1 - pick up the phone, tell Crime Stoppers what you know and hang up,” Mr O’Hara said.

“Queenslanders know the dangers of illegal firearms ending up in the wrong hands and are coming forward anonymously with information to help prevent criminal activity.  It’s encouraging that they’re speaking up about illegal firearm activity.

“Crime Stoppers Queensland has received more than 75 tips in 22 days of our campaign.”

To report information about illegal or stolen firearms call PoliceLink on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.easyas321.com.au.

[ENDS] 23 May 2013

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114