At almost the halfway point of its campaign to remove illicit guns from the community, ACT Policing has added 10 illegal firearms to its armoury and executed several associated warrants, with thousands of rounds and ammunition seized.
Since the campaign commenced six weeks ago, ACT Policing has executed 10 search warrants in relation to illicit firearms in the ACT.
This has resulted in the seizure of 10 operational firearms, eight replica firearms, 2000 rounds of shotgun ammunition and approximately 500 rounds of assorted ammunition.
It has also resulted in the seizure of several prohibited weapons including an electrical incapacitant, knuckle dusters, nunchucks and a three-bladed throwing knife.
ACT Deputy Chief Police Officer David Pryce said this campaign and the rewards on offer have effectively placed a bounty on criminals who possess illicit firearms and make the ACT a hostile environment for anyone thinking of being involved in firearms related crime.
“ACT Policing is committed to protecting the community from firearms related crime. This campaign has put the pressure on the criminal element of the Canberra community. Now it isn’t just police they have to worry about; anyone can report them and, in doing so, potentially receive up to a $5,000 reward,” Commander Pryce said.
“The Canberra community has played an important role in the success of this campaign and I continue to urge anyone who has any knowledge or suspicion about illicit firearms in the ACT to contact Crime Stoppers. Reports can be made anonymously.”
To date one man has been charged with the unauthorised possession of a firearm and investigations are ongoing in relation to the other warrants.
During the campaign anyone who can provide information that leads to the recovery of an illicit firearm or results in the successful prosecution of the offenders may be eligible for a $5000 reward.
Rewards of up to $5,000 as part of this initiative are only eligible until 31 January 2014.
People can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Further information about the illicit firearm rewards strategy can be found via the ACT Policing website.
[Courtesy ACT Policing]
Loading ...
