STOLEN firearms are becoming an increasingly attractive commodity for crime gangs in the North East.
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Recently released crime statistics show a steady increase in weapon and explosive offences in the Wodonga and Wangaratta regions over several years.
Albury figures show prohibited and controlled weapons offences have increased by 27 per cent each year over the past five years.
Wangaratta Inspector David Ryan said the problem increased in the city about three years ago.
Aaron Shane Dalton had been heading a multi-million dollar drug syndicate at the time and members were involved in the movement of weapons.
The following syndicate headed by Jessica Fogarty had also been involved in the trade, with guns exchanged for drugs.
Inspector Ryan said while some of the weapons stolen each year were recovered, most remained unaccounted for.
“There are an awful lot of outstanding firearms in the system somewhere,” he said.
“Part of the problem with the weapons is they have become a commodity for drug networks to trade.
“Lots of people want to get their hands on them.
“When people don’t secure their firearms as well as they could, they do tend to end up as part of the drug trade.”
Once stolen, the guns generally stay in the hands of criminals unless seized.
“I don’t think the guns are ever sold to legitimate purchasers once stolen,” Inspector Ryan said.
“They’re an attractive commodity in criminal networks, that’s where we believe they end up.
“The warning for licensed gun owners is to make sure they have the right level of security to prevent their guns from being targeted or stolen, especially farmers.”
Isolated properties are particularly attractive to thieves and whole gun safes may be stolen.
Inspector Ryan said most owners did the right thing but police were keen for people to upgrade security.
“We like the whole idea of gun owners taking responsibility not just for the security of their safes, but security of their properties,” he said.
“It’s about increasing the use of surveillance, increased alarms and whatever they can do to act as a deterrent.
“We do engage with gun owners, especially in more remote areas.”