Lay down your guns

Police Minister Liza Harvey said the amnesty was the first in WA since 2006.

‘This provides an opportunity for people to do the right thing. Anyone with guns, parts, accessories and ammunition can hand them in to their local police station without fear of prosecution,’ Mrs Harvey said.

Outside of an amnesty period, anyone caught with an unlicensed firearm could face a three-year jail term or a $12,000 fine.

WA’s firearms licensing branch destroys about 600 guns a month, most repossessed because they were not licensed, or storage facilities did not meet licensing requirements.

The amnesty started on August 1 and runs until the end of October.

For amnesty inquiries, call 1300 171 011 or visit the WA Police website at police.wa.gov.au