Close eye … Constable Shaye Meddings with a knife that was handed to police. 37363 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Belinda Nolan
SAMURAI swords, knives and a makeshift crossbow were among a deluge of items that were surrendered to the Keilor Downs Police Station over the past fortnight.
More than 10 items have been handed in as part of a state-wide amnesty aimed to get dangerous weapons off the streets.
Senior Constable Chris Van Buuren from the Keilor Downs station said police usually received an influx of illegal items, including a large number of homemade weapons.
“We get lots of modified cross bows made with steel bars and screws,” he said.
“Anything that can be used as a weapon, should be handed in to police.”
Sen Const Van Buuren said collectors required a special permit to keep weapons such as samurai swords and replicas.
“We’re talking about collectors items but at the end of the day, while people may think they’re nice to have at home, they can still be accessed by children, or used dangerously,” he said.
“It’s amazing the types of weapons people keep.”
The amnesty will allow Brimbank residents to dispose of illegal weapons without being charged during October.
Sen Const Van Buuren urged the community to take advantage of the amnesty.
“I hope people will use this as an opportunity to do the right thing,” he said.
“You’re not going to get in trouble, we’re just interested in getting these weapons off the streets in the interests of the community.”
