Illicit firearms
On this page:
- What is an illicit firearm?
- I think someone I know either has a firearm in their house or may be involved in illegal firearm activity – what do I do?
- How do I make a report? Can I remain anonymous?
- What will police do with the information received from the public?
- Why should I make a report?
- Is this an amnesty from prosecution?
- Can I surrender a firearm or ammunition?
The ACT Government and ACT Policing are calling on the community to provide information that identifies the location of illicit firearms, particularly those in the hands of criminals.
The threat to safety posed by those engaged by criminals who possess, carry or use firearms is a considerable concern to the community. We need to ensure illicit firearms are taken out of the hands of criminals for the safety of everyone in the community.
We are targeting illicit firearms in the wrong hands, not legal firearms that are registered and safely secured. If you have any information about the location of illicit firearms, or the identity of anyone who may be using, keeping or making illicit firearms please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via the Crime Stoppers website.
What is an illicit firearm?
Illicit firearms are weapons that have either been illegally imported or manufactured, modified, stolen from registered firearms owners and/or that may be used in criminal activities. This includes silencers and regulated imitation firearms.
All firearms in the ACT are required to be registered. Accordingly, it is an offence to sell, purchase, possess or use an unregistered firearm. For more information on licensing a firearm see Licence information, Types of licences, Losing your licence, Firearms permits and fees, Firearms categories, Firearms storage and Firearms FAQs.
I think someone I know either has a firearm in their house or may be involved in illegal firearm activity – what do I do?
If you have any information regarding firearm use in the ACT and need assistance contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.
Even the smallest piece of information can assist police with our investigations and we encourage people to come forward with any details.
If you know someone in the community who is in possession of an illicit firearm and have concerns for someone’s safety call Triple Zero (000) in a life threatening emergency.
How do I make a report? Can I remain anonymous?
Yes, you can remain anonymous. If you have information about the location of illicit firearms, or the identity of anyone using, making or keeping illicit firearms, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or make a report online via the Crime Stoppers website. Rewards may apply.
Alternatively you can attend any police station in the ACT.
What will police do with the information received from the public?
The information gathered from calls to Crime Stoppers will be used in tackling illicit firearms and associated criminal activity.
Why should I make a report?
You could provide the missing piece to the puzzle and help police solve an investigation.
You can help protect the community from the harms associated with illicit firearms and contribute to a safer and more responsible community.
ACT Firearms
ACT Firearms is open for business between 8am-1pm and 2pm-3pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays. They are closed between 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm daily, on public holidays, and on the last Friday of each month for auditing.
Firearms licences, applications, information (ACT only)
ACT Firearms Registry
86 Vicars Street,
Mitchell ACT
Postal address
ACT Firearms Registry Property Office
GPO Box 401,
Canberra City 2601
Ph: (02) 6133 2122