Police across Central District want to send a clear message to firearms owners that they will be prosecuted if their licences expire but they continue to possess their firearms. And there are no excuses as the police licensing team work proactively to remind owners that renewal is looming.
There are a number of requirements that have to be complied with under the Arms Act 1983, particularly in relation to firearm security and the possession of weapons by unlicensed people.
All firearms must be stored securely at all times with the ammunition and the bolt stored separately; but recent burglaries have seen firearms falling into the hands of criminals because of poor security.
During a burglary in Feilding a shotgun and a .22 rifle were stolen, and in South Taranaki a rural property was subject of two burglaries in a short space of time with a number of firearms going missing. Fortunately in that case some the weapons have been recovered.
On one occasion a hunter left his rifle in his car after a hunt and the car was stolen. In another instance a hunter left his wet firearm drying in front of the fire and forgot to move it to a secure location before going to work the following day. It was that day that he was burgled.
District Firearms Licensing Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Richard Smith, said: "In all of these instances weapons have ended up in criminal hands and were avoidable with a little care and common sense."
In addition to ensuring security it is the responsibility of the licence holder to keep their licence and details up to date, just as it is with a driver's licence.
Senior Sergeant Smith, said: "This is about ensuring the safety of the New Zealand public and we have no wish to prosecute responsible owners of firearms. That is why the licensing team in Central goes to great pains to proactively track down and contact owners to remind them that their licences are due to expire.
"Unfortunately many owners fail to keep their details up-to-date making it very difficult for us to help owners stay compliant. A failure to notify us of changes can in itself lead to a $500 fine. An expired licence means the owner is unlawfully in possession of a weapon and that can carry a sentence of up to 3 months' imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000."
Owners in Central District can notify police of changes by ringing the Firearms Licensing Unit on 06 351 2550, by visiting the police website www.police.govt.nz and clicking on Firearms Licences or by email at central.firearms@police.govt.nz.
A change of address sticker that can be placed in firearms security cabinets as a reminder is also available from local police stations.
Licence holders are also advised to discuss with family and a lawyer what will happen to firearms in the event that the holder is no longer able to responsibly look after them.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.