Launch of firearms security campaign
Security and preventing firearms from ending up in the hands of criminals is the focus of a new campaign launched today.
“Gun theft continues to rise across Queensland and it is certainly a significant concern. Quite often during our investigation into serious crime, we have found guns which have been stolen from rural properties in the possession of unlicensed and inexperienced individuals,” Detective Inspector Lance Vercoe of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit said.
A three part video series will launch this afternoon in an effort to remind firearms holders of their responsibilities when it comes to securing firearms and more specifically in relation to the realities of firearms falling into the hands of criminals or the inexperienced.
“We have seen firearms stolen from farms and used in crimes hundreds of kilometres away. While these are often used in armed robberies or by drug offenders, of great concern is that some of these firearms are used in domestic violence incidents. Unsecured firearms have also resulted in accidental injury and tragedies and this is something we are in a position to prevent.
“This is not a matter of targeting a particular area, but about us reminding all firearms holders of their legal requirement to secure their firearm and keep all records, including registration and licensing details, current and up to date,” Detective Inspector Vercoe said.
The first video will be launched on social media this afternoon and focuses on the need for security. The second and third videos look at the possible consequences of failing to secure a firearm appropriately.
“We are certainly not trying to scare anyone, but are hoping to highlight what could happen if you don’t secure your firearm according to the requirements of legislation. These situations have happened and we are here to encourage firearms holders to help us keep Queensland safe,” Detective Inspector Vercoe said.
Police continue to work with federal and state law enforcement partners to address serious and organised crime.
Last year police from the Organised Crime Unit’s Firearms Investigation Team made some significant arrests, including:
• The arrest of offenders selling firearm parts via the internet
• The arrest of Gold Coast criminal identities sourcing and suppling semi-automatic firearms
• The location and arrest of persons found in public and in possession of handguns in Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville
• The seizure of 11 firearms at Freshwater
• The detection of a number of persons involved in the importation of firearm parts
“Regardless of whether we charge one person for failing to secure their firearm or an organised crime group using firearms to intimidate and threaten others, these are wins for us and go a long way towards helping us reduce the risk to the community,” Detective Inspector Vercoe said.
The first video will be available to view on the QPS Facebook page and MyPolice blog www.mypolice.gov.au from this afternoon.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
