North Brisbane Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) detectives with the assistance of Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), surveillance and intel units, have charged three men in relation to a stolen firearm investigation.
On February 11, police received a report of firearms being stolen from a Carseldine address overnight.
It will be alleged offenders broke into a property being renovated; no occupants were home at the time of the offence.
It is further alleged offenders discovered a compliant gun safe and went to significant efforts to force the safe open before stealing firearms and a military style bayonet.
It will be alleged the victim and offenders were unknown to each other.
Detectives undertook rapid and thorough investigations, leading to the arrest of three men and the recovery of all stolen weapons.
Around 4pm on February 12, officers incepted the men on the Logan Motorway near Carole Park and arrested them.
It will be alleged the military style bayonet was located in the vehicle during the arrest.
Shortly after 9pm that evening, investigators located the stolen firearms in a shipping container at a Richlands address.
A 34-year-old Gailes man has been charged with one count each of enter dwelling and commit and unlawful possession of weapons category B (firearms).
He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 19.
A 47-year-old Basin Pocket man has been charged with one count each of enter dwelling and commit, possessing dangerous drugs (Methamphetamine), unlawful possession of a weapon (military dagger – bayonet), and possess property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence.
He appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 13.
A 47-year-old Ipswich man has been charged with one count each of enter dwelling and commit and contravention of a domestic violence order.
He is expected to reappear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 27.
North Brisbane District Inspector Matthew Blunn, says the rapid reporting of the offence once detected and diligent work of officers enabled the firearms to be recovered quickly.
"We are grateful the licenced firearm owner regularly monitored the security of their firearms and quickly reported the matter to police.
"The Queensland Police Service takes firearm safety seriously and investigators left no stone unturned to quickly identify the offenders and locate the stolen weapons to keep the community safe."
North Brisbane CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Danial Moore, says it is an important reminder for anyone who is permitted to legally own a firearm to regularly monitor its security.
"The QPS is regularly conducting firearm security audits for anyone who is licenced to hold a firearm to ensure the community is safe.
"It is important anyone with a firearm licence is not complacent when it related to firearm security.
"If you see anything suspicious, report it to police immediately."
Learn more about the safe storage of firearms at Safe storage of weapons and ammunition | QPS.
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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
