Gang Crime Squad detectives have arrested three people, issued four Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) and conducted a number of compliance checks as part of an operation to disrupt and deter illicit firearms use by street gangs across Melbourne this week.
The three-day operation, which commenced on Monday 13 September, also involved detectives from Hume Crime Investigation Unit, Southern Metro Regional Crime Team, Eastern Region Crime Team, North West Metro Division 3 Offender Management Team, Melbourne Embona Taskforce, Altona Divisional Response Unit and the Dog Squad.
Police conducted 17 FPO compliance searches on individuals currently banned from possessing a firearm and served four new FPOs to individuals deemed a serious public safety risk if they were to possess a firearm.
Detectives seized a range of items during the searches, including ammunition, drugs including cannabis and cocaine, and stolen property.
Three males were arrested in relation to a range of firearm related offences, drug possession, dishonesty matters and serious violent crimes, including:
- A 17-year-old Dandenong North boy, who is alleged to be a street gang member, was charged by Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit with deal property suspected proceeds of crime, theft of motor vehicle, shop steal, commit indictable offence whilst on bail, possess cannabis and possess prescription drug of dependence in relation to a home invasion in Dandenong North on 15 August, 2021. The male was located at a property subject to an FPO search. He was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Children's Court on 1 October, 2021.
- A 17-year-old Maidstone boy was charged with possess firearm related item contrary to an FPO, possess cartridge ammunition without approved licence, fail to surrender firearm related item, possess cocaine, possess cannabis and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He was bailed to appear at Sunshine Children's Court on 21 October, 2021.
- A 19-year-old Dandenong North man was issued with a caution for possess cannabis.
Firearm Prohibition Orders are an integral legislative provision that provide police with specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt and prevent firearm-related crime in Victoria and keep the community safe.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children, which is those between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant - 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1100 FPOs across the state.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant, Danny Travaglini from the Gang Crime Squad:
"We want to ensure that street gang members and their associates don't come into possession of illicit firearms, so this operation was about targeting specific individuals.
"It's also about checking on compliance with the current FPOs we have in place and deterring further offending by those we know that have a history of possessing and using illicit firearms.
"These results highlight the breadth of criminality linked to these street gangs - as part of an operation targeting firearms we've also arrested people in relation to serious offences such as home invasions, as well as seizing drugs and stolen goods.
"Firearm Prohibition Orders provide police with greater powers than ever before to ensure firearms do not end up or stay in the hands of some of the more dangerous members of our community.
"We will continue to run regular operations such as this to keep Melbourne's streets safe and put those putting community safety at risk before the courts."
Anyone with further information about illicit firearm related crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
