252Offences—defacing, altering and removing identification

252 Offences—defacing, altering and removing identification marks (1) A person commits an offence if the person defaces, alters or removes a number, letter or other identification mark on a firearm or barrel for a firearm. (a) possesses a firearm or barrel for a firearm on which a number, letter or identification mark has been defaced, altered or removed; and (b) knows that a number, letter or identification mark has been defaced, altered or removed. if the defendant proves that the defendant was authorised in writing by the registrar to deface, alter or remove the number, letter or other identification mark. (4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (2) if the defendant proves that the defendant was authorised in writing by the registrar— (a) to deface, alter or remove the number, letter or other identification mark; or (b) to possess the firearm or barrel. (5) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to the surrender of a firearm to a police officer.