Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) detectives from Fortitude Valley and Carseldine have charged a man and recovered firearms following a break and enter offence at Bowen Hill last month, December 18.
On December 4, police received a report of firearms be stolen from a Bowen Hills address.
It will be alleged between November 1 and December 4, a man cut into a gun safe, stealing firearms and separately stored ammunition before leaving the address in an unknown direction.
Following extensive investigations, CIB detectives located and arrested a 44-year-old Mango Hill at Morayfield Road, Caboolture South at 11:30am, December 18.
It will be alleged during a subsequent search of a storage unit in Lawnton, police recovered eight stolen firearms, stolen ammunition, stolen power tools and a quantity of Methylamphetamine.
The man has been charged with one count each of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, unlawful possession of weapons, offence in relation to unauthorised and prohibited explosives, possessing dangerous drugs and possess tainted property.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today, December 20.
Detective Inspector John Mison says it is important anyone with a firearm licence is not complacent when it related to firearm security.
“This seizure by CIB detectives is the latest example of Operation Owen removing firearms from offenders,” Detective Inspector Mison said.
“It’s also a reminder to anyone who is permitted to legally own a firearm, and has stored it correctly, to regularly monitor its security. This is for their safety and the safety of their family and community.”
“If you see anything suspicious, report it to police immediately.”
The QPS is regularly conducting firearm security audits for anyone who is licenced to hold a firearm to ensure the community is safe.
Learn more about the safe storage of firearms at Safe storage of weapons and ammunition | QPS.
North Brisbane police are committed to ensuring the community is safe and feels safe which is why Operation Owen was developed to target illicit firearm offences in North Brisbane District.
The operation continually targets offender’s access to weapons, in addition to maintaining strong networks with industry experts to proactively protect the community from firearm crime.
This year, North Brisbane police have been able to remove 49 firearms and will continue to hold offenders to account and supporting victims.
