Waikato Police say while they prefer to educate people to prevent crime rather than have to respond to incidents and take enforcement action, recent lax security by firearms owners is causing concerns.
District Firearms Officer, Richard Plas, said over the past three weeks three rural homes in the Eastern Waikato had been left unlocked while the owners were out and unsecured firearms stolen.
"The burglaries have occurred in the Paeroa, Karangahake and Whitianga areas and in each incident four firearms of various calibres have been taken with the most recent occurring last week.
"With these burglaries in mind, Police wish to remind firearms owners that it is their responsibility to ensure that their guns are secured against theft."
Under the Arms Regulations 1992, it is a legal requirement that firearms are secured against theft and also:
· they are not put in a place where a child or unlicensed person has access to them,
· ammunition must be stored so that if a person gains access to the guns they are not also able to access the ammunition, and
· no firearms are left in any vehicle that is unattended.
Mr Plas said often it wasn't until a property was burgled that Police establish the firearms owner has moved and failed to notify Police of a change to their address.
"The public have a right to expect Police to keep an accurate record of who is trusted with the responsibility of owning firearms. Police support the safe use and ownership of firearms but it appears that some owners need to lift their game.
"Firearms ownership is a privilege not a right and this privilege comes with a fair amount of responsibility on the part of the gun owner so what we are saying is that as a condition of your license you are expected to keep your firearms secure and notify Police if you change address."
Failure to advise of a change of address is in its self an offence against Section 34 of the Arms Act 1983.
"By notifying us of a change of address we are then able to arrange a security check by an Arms Vetter who ensures that your firearms are secured in an appropriate manner. This process plays a large part in deterring theft of firearms from peoples' homes and preventing crime."
"Police investigate all instances of firearms theft and where it has been found that the gun owner has been negligent then it is possible that their Firearms Licence will be revoked."
In light of the recent thefts Mr Plas said Waikato Police would be working with firearms groups and owners as part of their 'Lock em or Lose em' campaign aimed at preventing the theft of firearms.
Last year about 30 firearms were reported stolen to Police in 21 burglaries.
The steps taken to secure firearms against theft can be many and varied, and can include such things as the use of a good solid steel gun safe firmly secured to the building, keeping the gun safe (and guns) out of sight, installing a burglar alarm, and/or use of neighbourhood watch system.
Police also recommend removal of a part of the gun (such as the bolt) which will ensure that if it is stolen at least the gun can not be used by the thief or any other criminal who may acquire it.
"It is also a good idea to record the serial numbers of any firearms owned. One such method of doing this is on the Operation SNAP (www.snap.org.nz), a database for recording serial numbers and images of valuables that is independent of Police.
"Staff at the Waikato Firearms Licensing Office in the Hamilton Central Police Station are happy to offer advice to any gun owner wanting help or information regarding security of their firearms and can be reached on 07 858 6200."
Meanwhile, Mr Plas said anyone offered cheap firearms for sale should consider that they are helping to fund the criminal cycle and may in fact be making themselves the next potential victim.
"Time and time again Police carrying out searches of properties linked to organised crime and gangs encounter firearms in possession of unlicensed offenders.
"These offenders keep details of who they sell and obtain firearms from, by buying 'off-ticket' firearms you are funding their activities and placing yourself at risk. Anyone with any information on stolen firearms is encouraged to contact their nearest Police station."
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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