Recreational shooting is common in the St George region, as well as in many of Queensland's rural and urban areas, which is why police are reminding licenced weapon holders of the dangers of leaving firearms unsecured in vehicles.
In recent weeks, two people have been charged with firearm storage offences after weapons were left unsecured in cars.
A vehicle does not meet Queensland's strict safe storage requirements, and firearm owners risk prosecution and loss of licence if they fail to comply.
Even short stops create an opportunity for theft, with offenders often targeting vehicles after hunting trips.
Once stolen, firearms are rarely recovered and can lead to further offending as many stolen firearms are often used in illicit crime.
As part of Operation Whiskey Firestorm, police are urging owners to unload firearms, store ammunition separately, use lockable containers while travelling, and never leave weapons or ammunition in vehicles overnight.
One moment of carelessness can have lasting consequences. Securing your firearm protects your licence, your community, and your sport.
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.
