In Queensland there are over 180,000 licensed firearm dealers who between them have ownership of over 800,000 firearms. While the Queensland Police Service collaborates with its interstate and national law enforcement partners to identify those persons involved in the illegal sale, distribution and possession of firearms, it remains incumbent on us to do everything we can to address firearm theft and the impact this has on the community, Queensland Police say.
Over the past 10 years police have identified a continued increase in the number of firearms reported stolen. While the number of firearms stolen is small compared to the number of weapons registered in Queensland, we want to take positive steps to address this trend and look to ways to reduce the number of illegal firearms entering into our communities.
Detective Inspector Lance Vercoe of the Organised Crime Unit stated the reality is that the theft of firearms can be attributed to the commitment of criminals and in some cases the complacency of firearm owners.
"We are not trying to scare people, we are simply trying to raise awareness. It is important for us all to play a part in the prevention of firearm theft. Firearm ownership is an emotive issue which is clear from the reactions and comments to these videos. The reality is the Queensland Police Service does work in partnership with other State and Commonwealth agencies to identify those persons involved in the illegal sale, possession, distribution, importation and manufacture of "weapons"," Detective Inspector Lance Vercoe said.
"We acknowledge there is a healthy and generally responsible firearm community, however firearm theft in Queensland is increasing and whilst the number of reported firearms stolen (721 in 2015/16) is still small as compared to the number of firearms registered (800,000), it is a trend which should not be ignored.
"We are also committed to reducing the number of firearms being stolen and making Queensland a safer place to live and work. We make no apologies for taking steps to raise awareness of the realities of unsecured firearms."
The QPS encourages anyone who has knowledge of those in possession of illicit firearms to report it directly to police or via Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
