Amnesty rakes

By Kelly Yates
SHOT guns, three long arms, knives and an air rifle are some of the weapons turned in at Narre Warren and Cranbourne police stations as part of this month’s Firearms and Weapons Amnesty.
People are being reminded that they have one more week to surrender any unwanted or illegal items without facing penalty, under the month-long amnesty commencing 1 October.
A hand gun and an imitation handgun was also handed over at the Cranbourne police station, while police at the Narre Warren police station got three knives, two shot guns, an air-rifle and a firearm.
In nearby Dandenong, two pistols, an air-rifle and a sword were handed in at the police station.
Inspector Gavan Dorian of the licensing services division said police were pleased with the number of weapons already surrendered and encouraged people to continue to take advantage of the opportunity.
“By coming forward, it shows people are not only thinking about their safety but also the safety of the broader community,” Insp Dorian said.
All items must be wrapped in paper, plastic or cloth prior to disposal to ensure the process is as safe as possible.
People should ensure that firearms are not loaded when they attend the police station and are also encouraged to ring their local police station before taking the items in.
The 2008 Victorian Firearms and Weapons Amnesty resulted in the surrender of 2428 firearms and assorted weapons across the state.