Southern Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Brian Swan and Detective Acting Inspector Tony Parsons from State Drug and Serious Crime Group today launched Regional Project ‘D.R.I.F.T.’ which will run for a four week period from September 14 to October 9, Queensland Police say.
Detective Superintendent Swan said Project D.R.I.F.T. (District Reviews into Firearms Thefts) aims to promote community safety, remind gun owners of their legal obligations and increase information provided to police about illegal firearms.
"We are concerned with the number of firearms that have been stolen in the Southern Region, and we have partnered with Crime Stoppers Queensland to generate information which may provide advice to police into these thefts," Detective Superintendent Swan said.
"For the financial year ending 30 June 2016, there has been 311 firearms stolen, with only 45 firearms recovered.
"While our investigations into these offences are continuing, we encourage anyone who has information in relation to illegal firearms or people involved in the theft of firearms to report this to Crime Stoppers."
Detective Acting Inspector Parsons said the theft of firearms is not just a crime problem, it’s also a community problem.
"Stolen firearms do end up in the hands of people that haven’t passed fit and proper person tests and are unfortunately used against innocent people," Detective Acting Inspector Parsons said.
"We are calling on the public to work with the police on this problem and for any information they have to be passed on so that police can get on top of it immediately."
Police have written to firearm owners within the Darling Downs District to remind them of their obligation to properly secure their firearms.
Weapon security audits will continue to be undertaken by police to ensure compliance with legislation.
When reporting information to Crime Stoppers people can choose to remain anonymous. There is also the offer of rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest, depending on the seriousness of the crime which is solved.
If you have any information which may assist police with their investigations into firearm offences, please contact Crime Stoppers.
