Crime Stoppers to hold illegal firearm roadshow in Oakey and Pittsworth
Illegal firearms pose a clear danger to the community, with 3290 crimes committed involving guns in the past year in Queensland, including attempted murders, assaults, robberies and unlawful entries. This program takes aim at those numbers.
As part of the Queensland Police Service’s ongoing crackdown on rural crime, Crime Stoppers volunteers will be out in the Darling Down talking to landholders about handing in illegal firearms.
Two pop-up roadshows will be held in Oakey and Pittsworth this month where the authorities talk to the farmers about their rights and responsibilities.
Illegal and stolen firearms pose a real danger in the Toowoomba region with several high-profile thefts across our region in recent years.
It is estimated that there about 260,000 illegal firearms in Australia
About 40 weapons were stolen from a Stanthorpe farm in 2023, prompting a wide-ranging police operation that led to raids at 12 properties in Warwick, Oakey, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi. Police recovered most of those weapons.
Crime Stoppers Queensland chief executive David Hansen said everyone had a role to play in combating gun crime, particularly those closest to people with illegal firearms, including partners, family members, or close friends.
“Illegal firearms in the wrong hands can be devastating. If a member of the community knows someone in possession of a firearm, it’s crucial that they say something before it’s too late,” Mr Hansen said.
“We know that the people most likely to have vital information about illegal firearms are often current or former partners, family members, or close friends.
“We are urging them to come forward and report an illegal firearm to Crime Stoppers.
“They might feel hesitant, but staying silent only allows the danger to grow. Your call could stop a crime before it happens and potentially save a life.”
The roadshows run from 5.30-7.30pm on May 15 at the Oakey RSL and May 27 at the Pittsworth Function Centre.
Report illegal firearm activity anonymously by phoning Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Originally published as Crime Stoppers to hold illegal firearm roadshow in Oakey and Pittsworth
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