The number of non-fatal shootings across Victoria has more than halved in four years, with more guns taken off the streets

A record number of illicit firearms have been seized in Victoria as police vow to create a “hostile environment” for bikie gangs.

Police seized a record number of illicit firearms in the past financial year, contributing to a significant decline in non-fatal shootings across Victoria.

New data reveals officers recovered 934 illegal guns in 2021-22 and last year cancelled more than 1100 firearms licences and suspended a further 750 licences.

The number of non-fatal shootings across Victoria has more than halved in four years, dropping from 52 cases in 2019 to 25 last year.

The establishment of the Illicit Firearms Squad (IFS) in September 2020, the first of its kind in Australia, has enabled the force to crack down on firearms trafficking, manufacturing and importation.

There were 934 illegal guns seized in Victoria in 2021-22. Picture: AFP

Top detectives say the dedicated squad as well as an increase in the number of active Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) issued to persons of concern, have contributed to the record haul.

Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly, manager of the state’s anti-gang division, described FPOs as a “game-changer” for the force, adding there are at least 1769 active decade-long bans in place.

“We haven’t had any non-fatal shootings involving outlawed motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) in a couple of years,” Supt Kelly told the Herald Sun.

“The feedback we are getting is because of FPOs, they are all very keen not to carry firearms, which means they don’t bring guns to the table.

“Historically, if things got a bit heated, quick access to a firearm could result in a non-fatal shooting or even a homicide.

“(The bikies) tell us it has stopped them carrying guns, so it’s like we’ve taken guns off the table.”

Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly says Firearm Prohibition Orders have been a ‘game-changer’. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Illicit Firearms Squad boss Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Foot said FPO recipients are prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm and breaches can lead to a 10-year prison term.

“They know we can search them at any time under the legislation without warrant and can pull the trigger at any time to search them, their home or their car,” Insp Foot said.

“They now try to resolve (tensions) with verbal conversations.”

Virtually all known OMCG members across the state have been slapped with the strict orders.

In 2022 Victoria Police conducted 2673 FPO searches, marking a 25 per cent increase year-on-year, which led to a 56 per cent jump in seizures of firearms and related paraphernalia.

Among the haul were 17 handguns, 12 modified longarms, 61 imitation firearms, 17 firearm related items and 2440 units of ammunition.

Armed Crime Squad boss Detective Inspector Mick Daly said the majority of seized weapons were from the “grey market” – those that were legitimately owned prior to Australia’s 1996 National Firearms Agreement but were now banned.

“The majority of the firearms we see weren’t surrendered as part of the buy back amnesty,” Insp Daly said.

Victoria Police raiding a Finks clubhouse in Ringwood. Picture: AAP

He said one of the strengths of the IFS was their ability to forensically trace weapons, meaning they could be linked to unsolved crimes.

Victoria has been criticised for its “weak” anti-association laws, which have not been used once in the past six years.

However Insp Daly said FPOs were equally as, if not more, effective than anti-association laws established in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia.

He put interstate bikies considering a move down south on notice: “Our message to them, if they are planning on setting up shop in Victoria, is to be prepared to have a FPO taken out on you. You will be subject to the same scrutiny and enforcement as Victorian-based bikies.”

Supt Kelly said FPOs had enabled the force to effectively shut down the feared Finks OMCG from setting up headquarters in Bairnsdale in recent months.

“We made East Gippsland a hostile environment for the Finks, to the point where they abandoned ship and headed home,” he said.

“Our intelligence is very good. It is about protecting the community.”

The majority of seized weapons were from the ‘grey market’ – those legitimately owned prior to Australia’s 1996 National Firearms Agreement but now banned.

Victorians are urged to anonymously dob-in anyone who they know with an illicit firearm to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Insp Mick Daly said: “By making a report to Crime Stoppers, police can put the puzzle together and take appropriate action. If your neighbour has an illegal gun, I make no apologies. Dob them in.”

Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill said reducing gun crime was a priority for Victoria Police.

“These weapons are used in some of our most sickening crimes,” Mr Hill said.

“We are continuing to build intelligence relating to serious and organised crime groups who trade in this form of violence.

“We will continue to undertake enforcement activities and use tools such as the Firearm Prohibition Orders to ensure these weapons stay out of the hands of criminals.”