23 August, 2021
Crime Stoppers visits Oakey
Crime Stoppers Queensland representatives stopped in Oakey to meet and greet local residents and promote the ongoing National Firearms Amnesty.
Crime Stoppers Queens-land Deputy Chair Greg Beale said he and another Crime Stoppers director met with Oakey residents to educate them about the risks unsecured firearms can pose to the community.
“The fight against gun crime is stronger than ever and by joining forces with Oakey, Toowoomba and surrounding regional communities, we can all play our part in keeping our towns safe and reducing the risk of illicit weapons falling into the wrong hands,” he said.
“As a recreational shooter, I know the importance of not only registering your firearms but also ensuring that they are stored safely.”
Oakey was the first stop in the team’s regional tour with visits planned to Miles, Mitchell and Dalby later this month.
“During our regional road trip, our key focus is to educate the public on the threat of unwanted, unregistered and illicit firearms in our communities,” Mr Beale said.
Crime Stoppers Queens-land CEO Carmen Jenkinson called on the Oakey community to come together to combat gun crime.
“Our focus in the Darling Downs and surrounding regional towns is to educate the public on the threat of unwanted, unregistered and illicit firearms and encouraging residents to hand in these firearms so that they cannot fall into the wrong hands,” she said.
“Firearms are often kept in innocence and ignorance of their illegality or simply overlooked and forgotten in people’s homes.
“There are occasions where someone might have Grandad’s old gun in the back shed, have received a gun from a friend or family member, or a firearm is legally registered but no longer needed.”
Being caught with an unregistered or illegal firearm outside amnesty conditions could result in a fine of up to $66,725, up to 13 years in jail, and a criminal record.
Information about Queensland requirements, including how and where to surrender firearms, can be found at https://crimestoppers.com.au/firearmamnesty/qld/
