Man charged with stealing guns from Brisbane storage unit gun safe

A Moreton man allegedly cut his way into a gun safe at a bayside Brisbane home and stole eight rifles and meth, police have alleged.

Police arrested a man alleged to have broken into a gun safe at Bowen Hills. Picture: Qld Police Service

A Mango Hill man allegedly cut his way into a gun safe and stole eight rifles, police have alleged.

The man appeared in Brisbane’s Magistrates Court on Friday, December 20, after detectives found the eight firearms, ammunition, power tools and methamphetamine, allegedly all stolen from a Lawnton storage unit.

After receiving a report of missing registered firearms from a Bowen Hills address on December 4 police set up Operation Owen, later arresting the 44-year-old man on December 18.

He was charged with entering premises, unlawful possession of weapons, possessing unauthorised explosives and dangerous drugs.

Detective Inspector John Mison said the police regularly conducted weapons security audits, with a total of 49 firearms seized by North Brisbane Police so far this year.

“This seizure by CIB detectives is the latest example of Operation Owen removing firearms from offenders,” he said.

“It’s also a reminder to anyone who is permitted to legally own a firearm, and has stored it correctly, to regularly monitor its security.

“This is for their safety and the safety of their family and community.

“If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police immediately.”