Wimmera regional firearms officer Leading Senior Constable Alan Pignataro said owners need to ensure there was no way guns ended up in the wrong hands. 

“Firearms owners have a responsibility to themselves, their families and the community to ensure their firearms are not lost or stolen through inadequate or poor storage,” he said.

“I encourage all firearm owners to take the initiative to improve their storage requirements and not just meet the minimum standards.

“Every bit helps in the prevention of unwanted theft.  

“We don’t want firearms in the hands of criminals. The community have an expectation that firearms are used in a safe responsible and secure manner.”

Senior Constable Pignataro said he was pleased to present Malcolm Carter with his firearms safety instructor accreditation.

“Firearms Safety Officers are members of the community who become accredited by Victoria Police to actively promote responsible safe handling and carriage of firearms through community education,” he said.

“To gain a Victorian Firearms Licence you must first attend and pass a Firearms Safety Course.”