Victoria Police seize 18 imitation firearms in St Kilda property raid

A man has been arrested after a stockpile of fake guns was found in a southeastern suburb after a tip-off sparked a police raid.

Police seize a stockpile of imitation firearms in a St Kilda raid. Picture: Victoria Police

A stockpile of imitation guns have been found in St Kilda property.

A tip-off to police sparked the raid in Greeves St on Friday with officers seizing 18 fake guns and other items.

Police arrested a 33-year-old man following the search as they uncovered;

• 12 imitation longarms, designed to look like semi-automatics, shotguns and a sniper rifle,

• Six imitation handguns, including a replica sub-machine gun, Glock and silencer,

• Long-arm scopes, and,

• Ammunition magazines.

After being questioned the suspect was interviewed and was later released pending a summons.

Police have described the haul as alarming. Picture: Victoria Police

Prahran divisional response unit Senior Sergeant Tim Moreland said firearms, fake or not, were alarming.

“When it comes down to it, whether genuine or imitation, the use of a firearm in the community will leave people feeling alarmed, threatened and vulnerable,” he said.

“Tip-offs are an extremely useful way we can protect our community, and, in this case, it has led to a cache of weapons now off the street and out of the hands of those who may seek to cause harm.”

Anyone with information on illegal firearms are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.