About midday on Tuesday, police allege they discovered a handgun hidden in a vehicle travelling through suburban Hobart.

The vehicle's owner, a 34-year-old Glenorchy man, was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple offences.

But this handgun wasn't a traditional firearm a licensed owner might purchase.

Police allege it was homemade, a category of weapons presenting a growing concern to authorities.

Tasmania Police reported 4,500 guns were seized or surrendered last year, a 16 per cent increase on the previous year, a result they said was driven by homemade or 3D printed weapons.

With unapproved firearms and illicit drugs in their sights, Tasmania Police and Crime Stoppers have this week implored those who witness suspicious behaviour to report it.

They said community tip-offs

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