Operation Unification - Illegal Guns Off Our Streets
Channel: SA Police News
Date: 16/06/2014

Police are launching Operation Unification -- a national campaign calling on the public to help police take illicit guns off our street.  Operation Unification runs until Sunday, 29 June.
 
"As part of Operation Unification, we're urging the public to help end gun violence by calling Crime Stoppers with any information about illicit firearms," SA Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson said.
 
Police are hoping the phones will ring hot with information that will help shut down the supply to criminals, as well as recover firearms already stolen.
 
Illicit firearms are considered as:
 •illegally imported
 •manufactured in Australia, or
 •stolen from registered owners.
 
"Stealing weapons from registered owners is our greatest concern. About 1500 firearms are stolen across Australia each year, approximately 250 of these thefts happen in South Australia," AC Dickson said.
 
"Interestingly two-thirds of those stolen are from regional areas.  And that's why we are urging lawful gun owners to take stock of their storage facilities, to ensure they are as safe and comply with the Firearms Act and Regulations. 
 
"Over the next two weeks police will conduct security compliance checks throughout the State.  Firearms that are not safely stored are at serious risk of being targeted by criminals.
 
 "Some rural property owners may believe their firearms are safe in the ute, or shed. However, they can be targeted by criminals, who may be aware that firearms are not locked away.
 
"That's their contribution and their obligation, to making the community safer."
 
This nationwide Operation is being run in conjunction with Crime Stoppers Australia.
 
Crime Stoppers SA Chair, Ms Sharon Hanlon said everyone in the community had a part to play in reducing the number of illegal firearms.
 
"Crime Stoppers is an important crime-solving program and we rely on information from the public about criminals and criminal activity," Ms Hanlon said.
 
"If anyone sees something or hears something about illegal firearms they should say something by calling the toll-free 1800 333 000 hotline number or making a report online by visiting https://sa.crimestoppers.com.au/," she said.
 
"With an average of 25 crimes being solved every week and more than 25,000 crimes solved since it began as a direct result of information provided to Crime Stoppers SA, this is a highly effective program that clearly has the trust of the community and makes South Australia a far safer place."
 
Police urge anyone who believes someone has acquired a firearm or ammunition  illegally, or is making, selling or trading, to please call  Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
 
"Your information could make a vital difference in an investigation, potentially save a life or prevent serious injury."
 
"Please make that free call on 1800 333 000 over the next two weeks and help us get illegal guns off the street," Ms Hanlon said.
 
Remember, you can remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward.
 
Firearms facts:
 
 
 
Stolen Firearms in SA 
a.2010/2011 -- 267 firearms stolen
 b.2011/2012 -- 284 firearms stolen
 c.2012/2013 -- 275 firearms stolen
 d.2013/2014  - YTD 241 firearms stolen
 e. 
 
Over 90% of all firearms stolen are either Class A or Class B firearms.
 
CLASS A firearms:
 •Air rifles, air guns and paintball firearms; and
 •.22 rim fire rifles (not being self-loading rifles);.and
 •single or double barrel shotguns (not being self-loading or pump      action shotguns) and includes receivers of firearms defined as class A
 
 
 
CLASS B firearms:
 •muzzle loading firearms (not being handguns); and
 •revolving chamber rifles; and
 •centre fire rifles (not being self-loading centre fire rifles);      and
 •double barrel centre fire rifles that are not designed to hold      additional rounds in a magazine; and
 •break action combination shotguns and rifles; and
 •all other firearms (not being prescribed firearms, handguns,      self-loading firearms or pump action shotguns) that are not class A
 •firearms, and includes receivers of firearms defined as class B      firearms.
 
Failure to store firearms in accordance with the Regulations may result in police seizure of firearms, licence suspension, prosecution resulting in up to a $10,000 fine or 2 years gaol.