June 16, 2014
Queensland is joining a nationwide campaign to crack down on illegal weapons.
Police Minister Jack Dempsey said today the two-week campaign would see the State Government, Queensland Police Service and CrimeStoppers join every other State and Territory to get illegal firearms off the streets.
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said information from the public was vital.
“Call anonymously through CrimeStoppers and get illicit firearms off Queensland’s streets,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“The intelligence gathered from the people calling CrimeStoppers can be used by police to assist in tackling the problem of illicit firearms and associated criminal activity.
“It will help to build better, more sophisticated and connected firearm-related intelligence and will help ensure police can investigate, detect and disrupt serious firearm offences and combat crimes.”
CrimeStoppers Queensland CEO Trevor O’Hara said Queenslanders provided an unprecedented level of information when a similar campaign was run last year.
“Illegal firearms can end up in the wrong hands and Queenslanders have previously demonstrated their willingness to share anonymous information with our community program in order to help protect our way of life,” Mr O’Hara said.
“During the last campaign firearm reports increased by seven times the historical daily average, showing Queenslanders are prepared to unite for a safer community.”
CrimeStoppers can be contacted on 1800-333-000 or online
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