POLICE are warning licensed firearm owners to stop posting gun selfies on social media in order to avoid being targeted by criminals.
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Victoria Police issued a statement yesterday in a bid to make gun owners more vigilant.
North East Divisional Firearms Officer, Leading Sen-Constable Andrew Auhl said advertising the ownership of any kind of firearm posed a risk to the owner.
“I would encourage people not to do it because they are advertising who they are and what firearms they possess and it’s an avenue for crooks to target those people,” Sen-Constable Auhl said.
“Previously I have spoken to clubs about award nights for shooting competitions in regards to advertising winners holding firearms and mentioning names — you need to be discreet and subtle because people can gain a lot of information from photos and names.”
Sen-Constable Auhl said there are more firearms about in rural areas, particularly on farms, and police have an ongoing education process about firearm safety.
“Offenders will always look for an easy option,” he said.
“I don’t think people becoming targeted is part of the thought process when they post the photos, so we do need to make them aware of it.”
Wodonga rifle club secretary Ken Dyason said as a club they are always wary of what they post online.
“It’s a double-edged sword because we want publicity to show people the sport is safe and anyone can be involved in it, but we don’t want to draw too much attention to ourselves as having firearms that a crook might want to pinch,” Mr Dyason said.
“I think anyone who uses Facebook to put a lot about their ownership of firearms is silly, it’s like giving crooks an open invitation.”
Victoria Police Sen-Sgt Andrew Armstrong said it is easy to gather personal information through public profiles or unsecure accounts, and owners need to be responsible.
“If your firearms can be easily accessed, you need to improve your security,” he says.
Firearm storage offences remain a regular occurrence and police are continuing impromptu inspections.
Failure to properly store firearms can lead to penalties from about $8000 or 12 months jail, to $35,000 or four years jail, depending on the category of firearm.