ALMOST 42,000 firearms are registered in North East Victoria, but the increased prevalence of firearm burglaries means their owners are being asked to think carefully about how they are being stored.
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Police have renewed a call for firearm owners to select a steel gun safe over lockers which weigh less and can be easily removed if they are not properly fixed to a wall.
They are also concerned owners are storing their firearms in lockers that are secured with only a padlock or in sheds that may be readily accessed by thieves seeking a “soft target”.
A North East firearms officer, Leading Sen-Constable Andrew Auhl, says those whose firearms are found not to have been secured appropriately were likely to be interviewed by police if their guns were stolen.
Their concern is should the firearms be stolen they could be used for illegal activity or their use could pose a danger to their owners or other members of the public.
Police are also encouraging firearm owners to ensure their guns are appropriately registered.
Those who fail to do so risk prosecution and potential jail terms if they are found guilty of the offence.