By Jessica Micallef
Police are targeting firearm-related crimes in the state’s western region, including the Macedon Ranges, by increasing their use of Firearms Prohibition Orders.
A FPO prohibits a person over the age of 14 from acquiring, possessing or carrying a firearm or firearm related items. FPOs were introduced in Victoria in May 2018.
According to Victoria Police, more than 250 FPOs have been served to known offenders in Victoria. Thirteen of those have been served in the western region.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Deb Robertson said she was pleased FPOs would be increased in the western region.
“An enormous amount of work is already been done in western region in relation to illicit firearms, so this expansion will complement that,” she said.
“We’ve always said FPOs alone won’t solve issues around firearms-related violence. However the past two years have shown they are an important tool for us to have and complement existing investigative methods.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Robertson said police were aware of the concern firearm-related crime caused, especially in regional and rural communities.
“I was based at the crime command when FPOs were introduced so I saw first-hand the impact they had on criminals and their ability to access, store and carry illicit firearms,” she said.
“I got to hear about some of the frustration that was being expressed by criminals who were now feeling the pressure of a significant increase in penalties for carrying and storing illicit firearms.
“I also saw some of the items that were being seized during FPO searches. Not just firearms and ammunition, but also drugs, cash and stolen property.
“Coming to the western region, I could immediately see what the benefits would be locally and we were very keen to be on the first areas within Victoria Police to be involved in the expansion of the scheme.”
