Gun theft at its lowest in four years

Gun theft in Queensland is at its lowest in four years, as the Palaszczuk Government continues to provide the resources that police need to crack down on illegal gun possession and stealing.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) statistics show the number of firearms stolen decreased to 581 in 2017, compared to 777 in 2016, 614 in 2015 and 627 in 2014.  

Police Minister Mark Ryan said despite this decline, police had not lessened their efforts to crack down on gun thefts.

“These statistics illustrate the hard work of our men and women in blue,” he said.

“The QPS has a dedicated firearms investigation unit which exists within State Crime Command and they have undertaken a number of proactive and reactive strategies in response to the illegal firearm trade.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing police with the resources they need, highlighted by the record $2.34 billion police budget handed down for the 2017-18 financial year.

“Our Government also regularly meets with stakeholders of the firearms industry at the Firearms Advisory Forum.

“The Palaszczuk Government encourages anyone with information about the illegal possession of firearms to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Some examples of QPS proactive and reactive strategies in response to the illegal firearm trade include:

• Operating in a number of overt and covert operational environments targeting the threat of firearm-related violence and the trafficking of firearms;
• Working in collaboration with partner state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify persons involved in the unlawful possession and manufacture of firearms;
• Campaigning and raising awareness to licensed firearms holders about their obligations to maintain appropriate firearms security strategies; and
• Engaging with credible shooting associations, such as the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) and chairs a Firearms Advisory Group, comprising multiple community interest groups, addressing identified firearms related-issues.

The QPS strongly encourages all firearms holders to maintain appropriate firearms security in compliance with their legislative obligations.

The QPS is the current secretariat of the national Operation Athena taskforce, which is primarily focused towards targeting and removing the threat of illegal firearms. This taskforce has representation from both state and federal law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, as well as international signatory stakeholder countries.

ENDS

Media contact:

Emma McBryde        0447 155 332