By Denise Deason
POLICE are appealing to people in the western suburbs to hand over any weapons they have – without incurring any penalty.
The weapon amnesty – for guns, knives, swords and old army ordnance – is being conducted in Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank and Melton this month.
Residents can take their weapons – preferably wrapped in cloth, plastic or paper – to any police station in these areas, no questions asked.
If people don’t want to go the police station, officers will collect the weapons, and supply a signed notice of abandonment.
Any military ordnance or explosives such as hand grenades should not be transported anywhere.
Instead, police will arrange for safe disposal of dangerous items.
Region 2 Superintendent Kevin Casey said the handover was about dealing with potential weapons issues early, while also offering assistance to people who might have stumbled across such items.
“This is a proactive operation by Victoria Police to reduce the amount of weapons in the community before they end up being used in crimes such as serious assaults,” he said.
“It’s also aimed at people who may have, for example, moved into a new house and located some old army ordnance. By acting early and giving people in the West an opportunity to hand in weapons of this nature, we believe we can safely remove them from our streets and minimise any potential use.”
The handover is different to one conducted in Footscray and Sunshine in July last year when people handing in weapons were rewarded with football and movie tickets.
That program resulted in 50 knives of different sizes and types being handed in.
This time the police are simply asking for the community to think of their own safety and get behind the program.
A similar program was conducted in Flemington last May, with about 25 knives handed in, including swords, daggers and pocket knives.
Police will also use the handover as an opportunity to speak to members of the public and educate them about the dangers of carrying weapons.
“This process will allow people to make an educated choice and hand in any weapons for the benefit of the whole community,” Supt Casey said.
“We are giving people fair warning and the opportunity to help make their community safer for everyone.
“Anyone who chooses not to use this opportunity and carry a knife will be dealt with by police to the full extent of the law.”
Police are appealing to people handing in weapons to wrap them in paper, plastic or cloth to ensure the process is safe.
Sergeant Peter Bitton, who is in charge of the handover for the Werribee Police, said it was an opportunity for people to hand in weapons before they were used in serious offences.
“Some people, particularly youths, think they can carry knives and they have it in their heads it’s for their protection,” he said.
“But, legally, they can’t do this and it can get them into trouble if they take the knife out.
“It can be used against them or against their friends.
“It’s something they don’t think will happen, but it does.
“We’re asking people to hand in their weapons so they don’t get into trouble down the track.”
Possession of a prohibitive weapon, depending on the category, can lead to a fine of several hundred dollars or a jail term from six months to two years.
