NSW Crime Stoppers chief executive Peter Price is encouraging people in the community to continue to hand in or register unwanted, illegal, and unregistered firearms as part of the National Firearms Amnesty.
Launched in July this year, the firearms amnesty has already resulted in more than 1700 firearms being handed in and more than 2200 registered across the state.
"This is a great result so far and it shows people in the community want to do the right thing," Mr Price said.
"We want to encourage others in the community to do the same. There may be old firearms that you haven't used for a long time or no longer want or need, or firearms that previously haven't been registered.
"Gun crime crosses borders. It may not cause harm in your community but in a community far away. Please, for the safety of your family, friends, and wider community, just hand them in.
"All of us have seen the harm that is caused by the unlawful use of a firearm and the impact on community confidence that often follows, which is why we all have a part to play in making our community safer - that's our aim."
Under the amnesty, people can register or surrender illegal firearms, unregistered or unwanted firearms, ammunition and firearm parts at no cost and without penalty. Firearms can be surrendered to a police station or licenced firearms dealer without penalty.
The amnesty coincided with the launch of Gun Safe - a new online portal for managing firearms transactions in NSW. Participating dealers can now accept and record unregistered firearms through the Gun Safe platform.
Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said ensuring that legal firearms are stored safely is "vital" to making sure they do not fall into the wrong hands.
"We all have a common goal of a safer community. Taking illegal guns and ammunition out of the community is the first step," Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force's Police Prosecutions and Licensing Enforcement Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook, said the amnesty is aimed at anyone who comes into possession of an unwanted, unregistered or illegal firearm at any time.
"It is everyone's responsibility to make sure firearms are registered," Assistant Commissioner Cook said.
"We encourage NSW residents to take advantage of the amnesty to surrender their firearms, gun parts and ammunition, without fear of being penalised for illegal possession.
"Our focus, as always, is public safety. We want to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the community, so they don't fall into the hands of criminals, who use unregistered firearms for intimidation and violence."
- More information about the amnesty and surrendering, registering, or selling unwanted firearms is available from crimestoppers.com.au/firearmamnesty.
