More than 400 Victorians deemed too dangerous to own a gun
More than 400 Victorians, including bikies and criminals, are banned from owning a firearm because they pose a danger to the community.
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More than 400 criminals, bikies and other violent gang members are among those too deemed dangerous to own a firearm.
The Leader can reveal since Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) were introduced in Victoria in May 2018, police have issued more than 400 orders to a range of known violent offenders.
The groups that topped the list include outlaw bikie gangs, Middle Eastern crime groups and other criminal groups.
It can also be revealed in the 2019-20 financial year, more than 200 charges for a range of offences including Firearms Act offences were laid.
Several firearms have also been seized including some which have been used in significant acts of violence.
In South Australia, a Firearms Prohibition Order Public Access Register reveals almost 400 people too dangerous to own a gun.
Victoria does not have a public register.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said FPOs were a powerful tool that made it harder for criminals to access, carry and store firearms or be in places where firearms are used or stored. “We believe they are an important tool for police, and enable us to target those who present a risk to public safety if they access firearms,” the spokeswoman said.
“An FPO prevents a person from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm or firearm related items, as well as entering certain premises such as firearms dealerships and shooting ranges,” she said.
The spokeswoman said once an FPO was served, the person was searched and a further search was conducted of their property and car.
“Police can also search a person who is in the company of the individual if they reasonably suspect that the person is committing or about to commit an offence against the Firearms Act 1996 and has a firearm or firearm-related item in their possession,” she said.
“The orders are not only issued in relation to those people with a history of firearms offences, but those we know have a history of violence and present a risk to the community if they access firearms.”
An FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults aged 18 and over and five years for children aged between 14-17.
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WHEN A FPO IS SERVED
An FPO can only be issued if it is in the public interest because of one or more of the following grounds:
– the criminal history of the individual
– the behaviour of the individual
– the people with whom the individual associates
– on the basis of information known to the Chief Commissioner that indicates the individual may pose a threat or risk to public safety.
Source: Victoria Police
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