Changes to Victorian gun storage requirements
Victorian firearm owners are preparing to make changes to gun storage under new requirements coming into effect on August 30.
All firearms must be stored in a purpose-built steel storage receptacle, with a steel thickness of at least 1.6mm. If the receptacle weighs less than 150 kilograms when empty it must be bolted to the structure of the premises, it must also be locked with a sturdy lock when a firearm is inside.
Victoria Police is advising firearm owners to check their current storage situation to ensure it complies with the new requirements.
The rules are not new for category C and D and general category handguns, but they are new for category A and B longarms, such as airguns, non-semiautomatic rimfire rifles and shotguns (not semi-automatic, pump-action or lever action).
Eastern Region Division's firearms officer leading senior constable Michael Ritchie said the changes has been sought for a long time.
"The aim of it is to have a safer community," he said.
"Category A and B are owned by more than 80 per cent of the shooting community... it's the go-to tool for any farmer or land owner who is trying to control pest or vermin or even for the use of putting down sick livestock or whatever the case may be."
He said many people who own category A and B firearms already have safes and will just need to check for compliance and make sure they are secured to the structure of the building.
"It must be mounted or secured to the structure of the premises, whether that be by the floor or the back wall or both - we'd like to see both," Snr Const Ritchie said.
Storage receptacles must be purpose-built. Anything that has been converted from one purpose to another purpose does not comply, such as an old locker or a converted fridge.
The need for a firearm safe to have a sturdy lock is another thing licence holders will need to keep in mind.
Snr Constable Ritchie said a sturdy construction would be something that is internal, usually bolts top and bottom, strong secluded hinges and would need a lot of effort for someone to break.
In Season Hunting and Fishing, Warragul proprietor Nicki Kimm said gun safe sales had increased since the changes were announced.
Staff have answered questions people have has about the new requirements.
Snr Constable Ritchie said incorrect storage could lead to being a target of opportunistic theft.
"The feeling of your firearms being stolen and being used for illegal purposes, that would be a pretty sickening feeling for a responsible firearm owner," he said.
"Quite commonly what we see is incorrect storage leading to opportunistic theft and unfortunately in those circumstances, we end up with two offenders - the licence owner who has not secured their firearm becomes an offender as well as the offender."
The Crime Statistics Agency has reported an increase in firearm offences between March 2021 and March 2022 in Baw Baw, moving from 81 offences to 153. However, this data includes all offences relating to firearms, such as possession of an imitation firearm and incorrect firearm storage.
The firearm offence categories with the most offences recorded in Baw Baw by the CSA in the 12 months up to March this year were possessing cartridge ammunition without a licence or permit, a prohibited person possessing a firearm and possessing an imitation firearm without exception or approval.
Last year, gel blasters were re-classified as imitation firearms in Victoria. However, Snr Const Ritchie said gel blasters that look like real firearms are still available in various places interstate, and therefore this category of firearms being added has increased firearm offence statistics.
Additionally, police have been carrying out Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches in the region, aiming to proactively target illicit firearms and related material. FPO's remain in effect for 10 years for adults and five for children, and prohibit people acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm-related item such as ammunition. Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued more than 1500 FPOs across the state.
There are many ways to seek help for those unsure about firearm rules and regulations. Ms Kimm said her business was available to provide advice to customers, who often ask all sorts of questions.
"We get a lot of people asking 'I want to keep granddad's heirloom gun because it doesn't work anymore'. They want to put it on the wall in their mancave cause it looks cool," she said.
"They can't. Decommissioned guns have to be registered as well."
Snr Const Ritchie wanted to remind locals of the national firearms amnesty, which allows members of the public to anonymously surrender any illegal or unregistered firearms, parts or ammunition in their possession without fear of prosecution.
If anyone finds a firearm and they are unlicensed they can call In Season Hunting and Fishing for advice or Snr Const Ritchie at Morwell Police Complex.
Snr Const Ritchie said police were also actively encouraging firearm estate planning, to ensure families are keeping track of their firearms.
"If mum and dad are moving off the farm and they've got a bit of a firearms collection, families need to have a discussion about where they are going to go, is the collection all now all together? Is there one up at Uncle Bob's or Auntie Jane's?" he said.
"Make sure the person who is going to be responsible for them in the future has an understanding of where they are and that they are securely stored... we can most certainly advise people in regards to deceased estates and their responsibilities in that regard."