Police compliance checks target unsafe firearm storage

ACT Policing has launched a Targeted Rural Compliance operation aimed at ensuring legally-owned firearms are being stored correctly.

The aim of the operation is to mitigate the risk of ACT firearms entering the black market through targeted compliance checks of vulnerable locations, such as rural properties.

ACT Policing members will be conducting these compliance checks until Friday, 12 April 2019.

Operation Leader, Detective Sergeant Rod Swain said operations such as this were crucial in keeping firearms out of the wrong hands.

“There is an established link between illegal firearm possession and serious organised crime,” Detective Sergeant Swain said.

“The most effective means of limiting the inflow of stolen firearms into the illicit firearms market is to limit the number of thefts, and this is done by ensuring firearm owners are complying with safe storage requirements.”

As well as conducting checks on all ACT rural properties that have a firearm registered to it, ACT Policing Firearms Registry officers will engage directly with local shooting clubs and landowner groups to promote further awareness safe storage requirements.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au