The NSW Police Force has begun Operation Armour II to improve safe storage procedures and reduce the risk of firearm theft across Southern New South Wales.
Operation Armour II is being conducted in the eight police districts across Southern Region – Wollongong, Lake Illawarra, Riverina, Murrumbidgee, Monaro, South Coast, Hume and Murray River Police Districts.
The two-week operation which is underway and runs until Wednesday 25 September is focussed on safe storage inspections to reinforce responsible firearm ownership and provide crime prevention strategies to reduce the risk of firearm theft.
Southern Region Operations Manager Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said this operation will go towards reducing firearm related crime and reminding gun owners of their responsibilities.
"We know in regional and rural parts of the state, there is legitimate reasons for people to own a gun. However, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure they are following safe storage practices, so they don't end up in the hands of the wrong people," Detective Supt Beattie said.
"Guns can be dangerous in the possession of people who don't hold a firearm license, which is why we are reminding gun owners to take appropriate measures to not become the target of thieves. Don't leave firearms in secondary dwellings or farmhouses which you aren't living in. If you do, you need to take additional measures like installing an off-site alarm system you can monitor via smart technology.
"Hefty penalties apply if you don't meet safe storage requirements with a penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment and/or $2200 fine for non-compliance."
More information about responsibilities as a firearms owner, including licences, permits; sale and purchase, and safe storage can be found at the Firearms Registry page on the NSW Police Force website: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms
