Operation focuses on secure gun storage

Police in the Mid West and Gascoyne are taking part in a national operation to try to curb firearm theft.

During the operation, which began on Monday and runs until tomorrow, police are carrying out inspections to promote secure storage of licensed firearms and ammunition.

Geraldton Police Station acting officer in charge Senior Sergeant Drue Pardoe said selected firearms licence holders and gun owners would be contacted by police to arrange a time for inspection and be provided with information on the standard of security required.

He said officers would also investigate stolen firearms and members of the public could assist by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visiting crimestoppers wa.com.au

“Between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019, there were 249 incidents in the metropolitan region and 325 in regional WA, resulting in 1653 firearms being stolen as a consequence of either a burglary, robbery or stealing offence,” he said.

“Inquiries into the theft of firearms has shown that in some cases, complacency by firearms licence holders led to firearms and ammunition not being correctly secured inside firearms cabinets and not in compliance with Regulation 11A and Schedule 4 of the Firearms Regulations 1974.

“Many firearm thefts are opportunistic and could have been prevented through compliant firearm storage.”