Taking aim at illicit guns in the Darwin community

Crime Stoppers Northern Territory is putting its support behind a national effort to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the community by asking people living in and around Darwin to share what they know about illegal guns and safely surrender any they may have, without penalty.

Crime Stoppers is partnering with NT Police to raise awareness about this important community safety campaign, which builds on the success of a national firearms amnesty promotion last year that led to more than 11,000 guns surrendered or seized across Australia.

In coming weeks, the local community can expect to see and hear advertising to promote the campaign, as well as distribution of information flyers, posters and other materials through police stations, council buildings and other locations.

Crime Stoppers NT Chair, Catherine Phillips, said with an estimated 260,000 unregistered guns across the nation, all Territorians should think about how they would feel if they stayed silent about an illegal gun which was then used to harm or kill someone.

“Criminals often go to great lengths to obtain a firearm illegally and then conceal it from authorities, so it’s unlikely they would go to that effort unless they are prepared to use it,” Ms Phillips said.

“The Territory is certainly not immune from the devastating impacts that come with having illegal firearms in the hands of criminals. We have seen the tragic loss of life and severe injuries that occur when people turn a blind eye and allow illegal firearms to remain in the community,” she said.

“The demand for illegal firearms is driven by organised crime groups right through to low level individual criminals, who want and use firearms to protect their interests, threaten and intimidate and commit violent acts.”

“If you suspect that someone has an illegal gun, share what you know with Crime Stoppers before it is too late. Report safely without the need to say who you are, get involved, or put yourself at risk of harm.”

During the three-month campaign, a range of community engagement and promotional events in regional and metropolitan communities across Australia will encourage people to share what they know about illegal guns, and to safely surrender any they may have in their possession.

To share information about an unregistered or illegal gun, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a tip online here. You don’t have to say who you are or get involved when you share a tip with Crime Stoppers.

Being caught with an unregistered or illegal firearm outside of amnesty conditions could result in a significant fine, imprisonment and a criminal record.

More information about how and where to surrender an unwanted, unregistered or illegal firearm can be found here.