Thousands of guns to be destroyed and recycled by NSW Police

Thousands of seized firearms including rifles, shotguns and pistols will be destroyed this month by New South Wales Police.

More than three tonnes of illegal and surrendered firearms will be melted down into steel and recycled in an effort to keep weapons off the streets and out of the hands of criminals.

NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said 84 illegal guns were seized by strike force operations over the last month.

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Among the items to be destroyed are pistols, rifles, shotguns, military firearms, home-made firearms, airsoft, gel blasters, air pistols and air rifles. (9News)

"These guns are actually being used to cause fear and harm out there amongst society."

"They will go to the scrap heap."

"They are firearms that will no longer be in peoples households."

"They are firearms they are no longer going to be out there on our streets," said Toole.

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The firearms will be melted down into steel and produced into other items. (9News)

The 2809 firearms collected by NSW Police over the past 12 months have gone through an audit process and are now ready to be destroyed and repurposed for the construction industry.

"We know the vast majority of those in our community possess firearms for a valid reason," Toole said.

"...then there are those who use these weapons to inflict fear and cause serious harm to others."

Police Commissioner Karen Webb and NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole announce thousands of firearms set for destruction following recent seizures. (9News)

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said every firearm destroyed is a win for all.

"We've all seen the harm that is caused by the unlawful use of firearms and the fear it can cause within the broader community," she said.

"We've got strong gun and firearm legislation in New South Wales that restricts the use to licensed holders.

"But when it falls into the wrong hands or has to be surrendered, then people are able to surrender their firearms no questions asked."

The guns were seized through criminal investigations, located as abandoned property, and surrendered. (9News)