A number of firearms have been stolen from rural areas in and around Barwon LAC in recent months.

Barwon Local Area Command Crime Manger, David Silversides said locating these firearms to prevent them being used in another crime was a priority for police.

Whilst investigations continue it is timely to remind residents of their responsibility to ensure their weapon is safely stored at all times and be discreet about gun ownership.

“Police across the state have noted the influx of photographs on social media where gun owners reflect their gun activities and in effect advertise gun ownership.

“Gun owners, and residents in general, should be mindful of what information they are broadcasting via social media networks” he said.

“These photos, along with lax personal security settings, make gathering personal information easy”.

“Having people know where your guns are and not keeping them secure is a dangerous combination”.

“It would be a terrible thing to have on your conscience if any of your firearms are used in a crime where someone is injured or killed due to a lack of security” he said.

Mr Silversides said under the Firearms Act, owners of firearms must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safe-keeping of their firearms.

“It’s especially important that weapons are stored in such a way as to limit the possibility of loss or theft, so they don’t come into the possession of a person who isn’t authorised to hold them,” he said.

The maximum penalty for incorrect storage of a weapon is two years in jail.

Anyone with information about stolen or unregistered firearms should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/.

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.