Tasmania Police reminds firearm licence holders that safe and secure storage remains one of the most effective measures to prevent firearms from being stolen and falling into the hands of criminals.
Tasmania's firearm owners are overwhelmingly responsible and committed to complying with storage requirements.
However, recent investigations by Firearms Services have highlighted that lapses in security provide offenders with the opportunity to steal firearms.
In June 2026, six registered firearms were stolen during an aggravated burglary in the Southern Midlands after offenders located the keys to a firearm safe had been left on top of the safe.
Although police later recovered three of the firearms and charged two offenders, three firearms remain outstanding.
The firearms licence holder will be proceeded against by summons.
Firearms Services Sergeant Steve Bugg said the incident served as an important reminder that secure firearm storage was not just about having a compliant safe.
"The security of the keys is equally important," he said.
"Storing keys near or on a safe can effectively negate the protection the safe is designed to provide."
Firearms Services encourages licence holders to:
• Store safe keys in a secure location well away from the safe.
• Never leave keys on top of, inside, or near a firearm safe.
• Lock safes immediately after accessing firearms.
• Ensure homes, sheds and outbuildings containing firearms are locked when unattended.
• Regularly review storage arrangements and address potential security weaknesses.
• Consider additional security measures such as alarms and cameras (which are mandatory for people who own any handgun, or more than 10 firearms of any type).
"Every stolen firearm has the potential to be used in further criminal activity," Sergeant Bugg said.
"By taking a few simple precautions, firearm owners can play an important role in preventing theft, protecting the community and ensuring firearms do not fall into the wrong hands."
Anyone seeking advice regarding firearm storage requirements can review relevant information sheets (https://fas.police.tas.gov.au/) or contact Firearms Services or their local police station.
Anyone with information relating to stolen firearms is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
