A man is expected to be charged with numerous firearms offences after police seized 18 firearms from a property at Nyah this month, as part of a day of action focussing on firearm compliance.
As part of the day of action on Sunday 15 May, Swan Hill uniform police, supported by detectives from Swan Hill and Mildura, carried out a number of firearm storage compliance checks at properties across the Swan Hill area.
While visiting an address on the Murray Valley Highway at Nyah, police located a number of unsecured firearms, several loaded firearms, unsecured ammunition, and a silencer.
Additionally, the gun safe at the property was not secured to the ground, and there was no alarm/security system fitted, which is required by law.
Police seized a total of 18 registered firearms, ammunition, and a silencer.
A 49-year-old Nyah man is expected to be charged via summons with numerous firearms offences, including licenced person fail to store longarm firearm correctly, licenced person fail to store ammunition correctly, and possess silencer without a permit.
The man's firearms licence has also been suspended.
From 30 August 2022, new firearm storage minimum standards will be enforced across Victoria.
All licensed firearm owners, including Category A and B, must store their firearms in storage units made of steel at least 1.6mm thick that is purpose built, has a sturdy lock and, if less than 150 kilograms when empty, must be bolted to the structure of the premises.
Many licensed owners will already have storage facilities that meet the new minimum standards being introduced. However, those currently storing their firearms in bolted clothing lockers or hardwood safes will need to urgently begin making plans to upgrade.
Those seeking to become firearm license holders for the first time will also need to be across these changes and ensure they are storing their firearms legally.
For more information about new firearm storage minimum standards, please visit www.police.vic.gov.au/firearms-industry-newsExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Swan Hill Leading Senior Constable Craig Beasy:
"The seizure of 18 firearms this month serves as a timely reminder to all licenced firearm owners - you absolutely must ensure your firearms are stored in the appropriate manner, or they will be seized and your licence will be suspended.
"Unsecured firearms are sitting ducks for serious criminals, so we make no apologies for regularly checking how owners are storing their firearms to make sure they don't fall into the wrong hands.
"While 30 August may still seem a while away, our message to those with soon-to-be outdated gun safes is clear - do not wait. We are anticipating there may be a degree of pressure placed on gun safe manufacturers, so our advice is to act today.
"Police are committed to working alongside firearm owners to ensure their storage is upgraded. We will be regularly carrying out inspections to ensure licensed owners are complying with the new regulations."
