NCJ Number
236349
Date Published
2011
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This fifth and final report in the series reported by Australia's National Firearm Theft Monitoring Program (NFTMP) presents information on all incidents of firearm theft reported to Australian State and Territory police for the years 2004-05 to 2008-09.
Abstract
Data are presented on the number and type of stolen firearms. A total of 1,570 firearms were stolen in 620 reported incidents of firearm theft in 2008-2009 in all Australian States and Territories, excluding Western Australia. The number of firearms reported stolen in Australia, excluding Western Australia, has increased by 6 percent each year since 2004-05. Rifles accounted for 60 percent of all reported stolen firearms, with bolt action rifles most often reported as stolen. Eighty-eight percent of firearm owners who reported a firearm theft in 2008-09 held a valid firearm license for the firearms they reported stolen. Eighty-nine percent of the thefts resulted from an unlawful entry of a residence or business premises, or a vehicle. Private residential premises were the primary target for firearm theft. In 63 percent of the thefts, the firearms were stored in a firearm safe or otherwise secure receptacle. Vehicles were much more vulnerable to incidents of firearm theft than private residential or business premises. In 2008-09, 22 percent of affected firearms owners were found in violation of firearms laws. The majority of charges brought against firearm owners were related to the offense of failing to secure or safeguard a firearm (67 percent). Police apprehended and initiated proceedings against offenders involved in 13 percent of reported firearm thefts in 2008-09. Offenders were charged with offenses related to breaches of firearm laws, break and enter, theft and possession, and receipt and/or disposal of stolen property. 12 figures, 21 tables, 8 references, and appended firearms classifications