NCJ Number
196174
Date Published
June 2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This report examines the incidence of the theft of firearms over a 6-year period (1994-2000) in Australia, determines the types of firearms commonly stolen, and indicates which locations are usually targeted in the theft of firearms.
Abstract
Between July 1, 1994, and June 30, 2000, police received reports of 25,171 firearms having been stolen. This equates to an average of 4,195 firearms stolen per year for this period. Rifles were the most common type of gun stolen, accounting for 52 percent of the firearms stolen. The second most common type of firearm stolen was the shotgun (21 percent). Only 14 percent of the firearms stolen were handguns. Most firearms were reported stolen from a residence (81 percent). Currently, there are over 2 million registered firearms in Australia; annually, less than 1 percent are reported stolen to the police. There is a possibility that at least some of these stolen firearms are being transferred into the illegitimate firearms market. Over the 6-year period studied, there was a decline in the number of firearms reported stolen, suggesting that firearms owners became more vigilant in securing their firearms. The National Firearms Agreement, which was introduced across all Australian States and Territories in May 1996, includes provisions for the security and storage of firearms. These provisions require specified categories of firearms to be stored in a locked receptacle constructed of either hardwood or steel; and other categories of firearms must be stored in a locked, steel safe that is bolted to the structure of the building; all ammunition must be stored in locked containers separate from any firearms. 1 table, 9 figures, and 14 references