Ten arrested as police launch mammoth crackdown on illegal firearms after fatal shootings
Specialist police have launched a mammoth crackdown on illegal firearms in a bid to restore peace across the city following a horrific fatal shooting in Craigieburn.
Police & Courts
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A man allegedly linked to Thursday’s shooting in Highett has been arrested after police taking part in a specialist operation allegedly located a firearm at his home.
The 41-year-old Cranbourne man is understood to have sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the incident and was later charged with family violence offences.
He was among ten people arrested between October 9 and 13 after police doorknocked 47 homes in Melbourne’s southeast as part of Operation Relentless.
The specialist operation comes amid a mammoth crackdown on illegal firearms following recent shootings, allegedly linked to growing tensions between Melbourne’s organised crime syndicates.
Almost 50 Firearm Prohibition Order checks were conducted across the Kingston and Glen Eira Bayside area, prompting the seizure of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs.
A woman, aged 20, was charged on summons after police allegedly uncovered two prohibited weapons, including a dagger, at a Clayton home.
A handmade firearm and a significant quantity of ammunition was seized from a home in Caulfield South, while two machetes were seized from a property in Parkdale.
A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged after a handgun was located at a unit in Aspendale. He was bailed to appear in Moorabbin Magistrate’s’ Court on 8 April 2024.
Several people – who are subject to Firearms Prohibition Orders – were expected to be charged with failing to inform police of a change of address.
Caulfield Divisional Response Unit Detective Senior Sergeant David Quirk said several “devastating” incidents involving firearms had shaken Melbourne of late.
“While we know these incidents are overwhelmingly linked to organised crime, a small number have played out in public places in front of the community,” he said.
“Operations such as these target those who have been prohibited from possessing a firearm, including organised crime figures, outlaw motorcycle gang members, and people with a history of violence.
“As its name suggests, police are relentless in their efforts to remove firearms, imitations, and ammunition from the wrong hands, and make the community safer for everyone.
“Anyone who breaches their firearms prohibition order can expect a visit from us, and to be held accountable for putting others in harm’s way.”
Compliance checks on Firearms Prohibition Orders would continue at random intervals, with further arrests expected.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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