FIREARMS owners within the New England North West region are being reminded that time is running out for safe storage inspections.
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Under the Firearms Act, police have the power to inspect the storage facilities for all licensed firearms holders to ensure they comply with legislation, but more than 2000 have yet to be done.
Oxley Local Area Command licensing sergeant Doug Chester said inspections were a time-consuming but necessary process.
“Police not only check to make sure the storage of firearms meets all legislative requirements, they also check to ensure all firearms are registered and properly recorded with the Firearms Registry,” Sergeant Chester said.
He said police had already conducted a large number of inspections, but more than 2000 had to be finalised by July.
“We ask that any licence holder who has not already had their firearms inspected contact police to arrange to do so,” Sergeant Chester said.
Police attempts to contact licence holders in the area are sometimes hampered by incorrect details lodged with the Firearms Registry, Sergeant Chester said.
“It is the licence holders’ obligation to ensure all contact details with the Firearms Registry are current. Many of the phone numbers recorded are either disconnected or people have moved from the address.”
All owners of a firearm are being asked to contact their nearest police station to arrange for an inspection if they have not already done so.
Contact details of firearms holders can be updated by contacting the licensing office on 6768 2839.