Mid West and Gascoyne police launch blitz on firearms storage

Mid West and Gascoyne police will randomly inspect the homes of firearm owners in the next two months as part of an operation targeting firearms storage.

The Statewide Operation Bluesun will also focus on illegal firearms.

In a press conference today, Mid West Gascoyne District Office Acting Inspector Levinia Hugo highlighted the need for firearm security.

“Between January 2016 and July 2018, a total of 1317 firearms were stolen in WA, with 58 per cent of those stolen in regional WA,” Inspector Hugo said.

“Firearm owners are required to comply with strong legislation regarding storage.”

In an related incident, police are investigating the theft of a firearm and ammunition in Mount Magnet about 3am yesterday.

Inspector Hugo said the owner had left the firearm and ammunition unsecured in his vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Firearm owners who want to surrender firearms should contact Geraldton police.