Six months since the launch of Operation Whiskey Firestorm, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging registered firearms owners to take all necessary precautions to safely secure their weapons to continue to reduce illegal firearm use, including theft.
Since January this year, 252 firearms have been stolen across Queensland – down 17.6% from 306 for the same period last year – many of which were not properly secured in people's homes.
Operation Whiskey Firestorm was launched as a proactive initiative in response to 2024 statistics that saw more than 3,290 offences involving firearms recorded across Queensland. These included serious crimes such as attempted murder, assault and unlawful entry.
The initiative focuses on driving down firearm-related crime by ensuring licensed gun owners understand and comply with the safe storage requirements, making it harder for weapons to fall into criminal possession.
Detective Superintendent George Marchesini praised the registered firearm owner community, saying in the first six months of the operation, the majority of the more than 4,160 owners audited were found to be compliant.
"There were still almost 110 owners who did not meet the legislative requirements, which is more than 100 potential opportunities for weapons to be stolen and misused," Detective Superintendent Marchesini said.
"In the past six months, we've seen cases of guns being improperly stored under beds and in cupboards, and this is leaving them susceptible to theft.
"The QPS has conducted extensive audits, coordinated regional operations, and has continued to work with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety requirements as part of our mantra – safety first, secure always."
Detective Superintendent Marchesini added that Operation Whiskey Firestorm is about ensuring firearms don't fall into criminal hands, especially as stolen firearms are often linked to major and organised crime.
"Improper storage is a serious safety risk, and it is our priority to ensure that our licensed firearm owners continue to have the education and support to meet their legal obligations,'' Det Supt Marchesini said.
"Under Queensland law, firearms must be stored in a locked, approved safe or cabinet that meets specific security standards, with ammunition being stored separately."
Detective Acting Superintendent David Briese of the Drug and Serious Crime Group, Crime and Intelligence Command said the improper storage of firearms such as unlocked safes or shared safe combinations, was against the law.
"The risk of firearms being stolen because of improper storage practice is extremely high,'' Detective Acting Superintendent David Briese said.
"Once the firearm is in the community and in the hands of criminals, then there is real potential for it to be used to seriously harm someone or worse.''
Whiskey Firestorm has been operating alongside other programs such as the 'Shut the Gate on Rural Crime' campaign and Crime Stoppers 'Say Something Before It's Too Late' initiative to ensure firearms owners are informed about their legislative requirements.
Whiskey Firestorm is also aligned with the National Firearm Amnesty, a program that allows individuals to surrender unregistered firearms without fear of prosecution.
Since January there have been 370 firearms surrendered across Queensland as part of the amnesty, which has helped to reduce the number of unregistered firearms in circulation.
Unregistered and unwanted firearms can be surrendered by appointment to a police station or a participating licenced dealer.
For more information go to: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/units/weapons-licensing
Operation Whiskey Firestorm is a high-impact statewide initiative designed to tackle the critical issues of firearm safety and illicit firearms.
The operation is sending a clear message about the importance of proper firearm storage and the role licenced firearm owners play in ensuring community safety. Operation Whiskey Firestorm is also focusing on a coordinated statewide response to the investigation, prevention and disruption activities involving illicit firearms offences and violent firearm related offending.
This operation comes in response to 2024 statistics which saw 1,055 firearm licenses revoked, and over 3,290 offences involving firearms, including serious offences such as attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful entry.
The QPS will be conducting extensive audits, coordinating regional operations, and working with licensed firearm owners to ensure they meet safety and ownership rules and regulations.
