Police Wrap: Geraldton officer-in-charge talks new COVID rules and the importance of firearm storage

Police were called out to an incident at the weekend which has served as a timely reminder for all licensed weapon holders to ensure their firearms are stored securely.

A Rangeway home owner reported his gun as stolen during a break-in on Sunday night. Thankfully, our hardworking men and women at the station were able to recover the firearm buried in nearby bushland.

We have charged two people over the incident, and they will appear in court in the coming days.

It is always worrying when firearms land in the wrong hands, and we do see offending like this from time to time.

When things like this do happen, we like to remind people to make sure their firearms are locked away safely in cabinets - which should be secured to the wall. As all those with a firearm licence will know, you also need to store your ammunition securely separately to you firearms..

On top of all the day-to-day police work, we are also continue to monitor how Geraldton is going with all the new COVID rules and guidelines under Level 2 of WA’s public health and social measures.

Our borders are now open, which means we can travel again and reunite with loved ones. But it also means were are likely to see COVID case numbers start to grow in the community.

If you do start to feel unwell, don’t panic. Just head to your nearest COVID clinic or use a rapid antigen test or polymerase chain reaction test and stay home while you wait for the results.

We don’t want any significant outbreaks in Geraldton and one way of ensuring we do the right thing for each other getting tested as soon as symptoms develop.

Being personally responsibly during the emergence of COVID is essential. Ask yourself, are my action in accordance with the current health advice? Am I putting myself and my family at risk of contracting COVID? Be informed, be responsible and be sensible. Please follow the guidelines accordingly and keep our community as safe as possible.

If there is anything you are not sure about, you can always give as a call at the station.

Sen. Sgt. Chris Martin is the officer-in-charge at Geraldton Police Station.