Almost 80 firearms were handed in and surrendered at Nowra Police Station in the South Coast Police District as part of the recent state-wide Firearms Amnesty.
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The haul included a number of .22 rifles, including one shortened weapon , shotguns and long rifles.
A number of air rifles were also handed in.
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The amount was certainly down on the numbers handed in during last year's amnesty when 200 guns, including pistols, a shortened shotgun through to long rifles were surrendered to local police.
State-wide more than 8300 guns – including 413 shotguns and 1373 rifles – were surrendered to police and dealers during the amnesty, while 74,000 rounds of ammunition, 56 prohibited weapons and 338 firearm parts and accessories were also surrendered.
During the amnesty from July 1 to September 30 the public was encouraged to legally dispose of unregistered firearms or firearm-related items without penalty.
Metropolitan Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said the community clearly demonstrated it does not want firearms falling into the wrong hands and putting lives at risk.
“There has been a really strong response across the state and it is encouraging to see community members recognising the danger posed by these weapons and doing the right thing by handing them in or having them registered,” he said.
“Too many firearms are not stored correctly which makes them an easy target for thieves, particularly in regional and rural properties.“
The top districts where firearms were surrendered was Murray River Police District with 128, Oxley Police District with 93 and The Hume Police District with 88.
During the amnesty more than 250 dealers participated and are expected to hand over firearms submitted to them by mid-November.
