Almost 2500 weapons, including double-edged knives, machetes, high-powered rifles, homemade handguns and daggers are now off Victoria’s streets, after the community handed them into police over the past two months during a state-wide amnesty.
The unwanted or illegal firearms and weapons have been surrendered across the state, including 164 in Bendigo, 87 in Warrnambool, 65 in Frankston and 58 in Warragul.
The weapons will now be destroyed.
Licensing and Regulation Division Superintendent Russell Barrett said Victoria Police was pleased with the response to the amnesty.
“It’s a good result for Victoria Police and the community as a whole – 2450 less weapons on our streets and no chance of them ever being used again.
“Whether it was a forgotten firearm in the shed or a handmade knife, they are no longer in our community.
“We thank those members of the public who took advantage of the amnesty to hand them in to police.”
The two-month amnesty was the first to be held in Victoria since April 2010.
The penalty for carrying an illegal weapon is up to two years imprisonment, or up to 10 years for firearms offences.
Top 10 areas Town Total items surrendered 1 October – 30 November Bendigo 164 Warrnambool 87 Frankston 65 Warragul 58 Ringwood 55 Rosebud 55 Shepparton 55 Croydon 54 Lilydale 54 Wangaratta 52