Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Australia 2007–08
Samantha Bricknell
AIC Reports
Monitoring
Reports 08
Firearm theft in
Australia 2007–08
Samantha Bricknell
AIC Reports
Monitoring
Reports
08
www.aic.gov.au
© Australian Institute of Criminology 2009
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Australian Institute of Criminology website at http://www.aic.gov.au
Foreword
The National Firearm Theft Monitoring Program The fate of stolen firearms remains largely unclear,
(NFTMP) was established at the Australian Institute although some are certainly diverted into the illegal
of Criminology to monitor the number of firearms market. Data collated for the NFTMP described
reported stolen in Australian states and territories a steady 12 to 13 percent recovery rate for stolen
and to examine the nature and characteristics of firearms in each of the years considered. This means
these thefts. This report represents the fourth in the that by the end of each reporting period, upwards
NFTMP series and illustrates a consistency in the of 1,200 firearms remained unaccounted for. Some
pattern of firearm thefts across Australia between of these firearms are undoubtedly retrieved at a later
2004–05 and 2007–08. The total number of firearms stage, but others are known to have been used
reported stolen has remained below 2,000 during to commit subsequent criminal offences such as
this period, with a noticeable increase occurring only murder, attempted murder and armed robbery, or
in the most recent year. A total of 1,712 firearms, are used in suicide attempts. Overall, an average
from 708 individual theft incidents, were reported three percent of reported firearm thefts involved
stolen to police during 2007–08. Most of these firearms subsequently known to have been used in
thefts, as with previous years, netted one or two crime (or sudden death) or were found in possession
firearms apiece and were taken primarily from private of known offenders. The real proportion, however,
residential premises, either from rooms within the is likely to be somewhat higher.
residence or from sheds or garages. Rifles again
The purpose of the NFTMP is two-fold: to assist
proved to be the most common type of firearm
both law enforcement and policymakers in the
stolen, followed by shotguns and Category A
development of initiatives to reduce the incidence
and B firearms predominated in the stolen pool.
of firearm theft, as well as to provide data by which
The majority of these firearms were registered at
minimum standards for firearm storage can be
the time of their theft and most owners reporting
further addressed. The detail and reliability of the
a theft held the mandatory licence for the firearms
NFTMP monitoring data supplied by state and
reported stolen. Nonetheless, many owners
territory police, and the consistent nature of the
continued to demonstrate carelessness or
findings, presents a stable platform on which such
negligence in securing unattended firearms,
decisions can be made.
leaving them in unlocked or easily penetrated
storage arrangements or making no perceived Adam Tomison
effort to conceal or safeguard the firearm at all. Director
Foreword iii
Contents
Contents v
27 Figure 17: Prosecution rates, by jurisdiction, 18 Table 22: Firearms stolen per theft
2004–05 to 2007–08 18 Table 23: Theft of ammunition
18 Table 24: Theft of other goods
18 Table 25: Types of other goods stolen
Tables 21 Table 26: Firearm storage
4 Table 1: Firearm theft incidents and number 21 Table 27: Ammunition storage
of stolen firearms 21 Table 28: Status of compliance with firearm
5 Table 2: Trend in stolen firearms 1994–2000 storage laws
to 2007–08 (number stolen per year) 22 Table 29: Incidence of safe storage
6 Table 3: Single versus multiple firearm thefts compliance, by jurisdiction
6 Table 4: Type of firearm stolen 24 Table 30: Method used to access firearm
7 Table 5: Action type of stolen rifles storage repository
7 Table 6: Action type of stolen shotguns 25 Table 31: Firearm owners found in breach
of firearm laws
7 Table 7: Action type of stolen handguns
26 Table 32: Prosecution of firearm owners found
8 Table 8: Category of stolen firearms
in breach of firearm laws
9 Table 9: Registration status of stolen firearms
26 Table 33: Type of offences firearm owners
9 Table 10: Registration status of stolen firearms,
charged with
by jurisdiction
28 Table 34: Recovery rates of firearms,
9 Table 11: Category of stolen firearms by
by jurisdiction
registration status
29 Table 35: Offenders proceeded against,
9 Table 12: Firearm licence holders
by jurisdiction
9 Table 13: Licence holders by jurisdiction
29 Table 36: Offence type
10 Table 14: Type of firearm licence held
33 Table 37: Types of firearms stolen from
11 Table 15: Period between incident date and jurisdictions
report date
34 Table 38: Category of firearm stolen,
12 Table 16: Persons who reported firearm theft by jurisdiction
to police
34 Table 39: Period between incident date
12 Table 17: Circumstances of theft and reporting date by jurisdiction
13 Table 18: Location of incidents of firearm theft 34 Table 40: Method of access to premises
13 Table 19: Specific location of incidents of or vehicle
firearm theft 35 Table 41: Firearm classifications according
14 Table 20: Location of firearm thefts, by type to the National Firearms Agreement 1996
of firearm stolen
18 Table 21: Method of gaining entry to premises
or vehicle, by type of theft
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) gratefully provided by individual officers and statistical support
acknowledges the support and assistance provided staff of Australian police services who provided the
for this project by the Ministerial Council for Police data presented in this report, and to Gary Fleetwood
and Emergency Management—Police Firearms of the Australian Crime Commission for his prompt
Policy Working Group and the Drugs and Firearms advice and assistance. Many thanks also to Jack
Section of the Australian Government Attorney- Dearden, who provided timely assistance with data
General’s Department. cleaning and analysis, and report preparation.
The author of this report would also like to The research is funded by the Australian Government
acknowledge the cooperation and assistance under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Acknowledgements vii
Executive summary
Executive summary ix
• Ammunition was stolen in one-quarter of incidents of firearm theft.
Since 1996, Australian firearms laws have compiles financial year data provided by Australian
undergone major amendments, primarily in line state and territory police services on:
with the National Firearms Agreement, the National • characteristics of reported stolen firearms
Handgun Control Agreement 2002 and the National (serial number, registration status, firearm type
Firearms Trafficking Policy Agreement 2002. The and category, and make, model, calibre and
purpose of these agreements was to prohibit action type);
and/or restrict certain types of firearms; establish
• storage arrangements for firearms at the time
new firearm licensing, registration, storage and
of theft;
training requirements; and introduce new penalties
for the trafficking of firearms. Each Australian state • method by which the firearms were stolen;
and territory has its own, comparable suite of • recovery rate of stolen firearms;
firearms laws and regulation, with state and territory • apprehension and prosecution of offenders; and
police responsible for maintaining firearm registries
• known use of stolen firearms to commit
with respect to licensing (of firearms owners) and
subsequent crimes.
registration (of firearms), as well as ensuring firearm
owners abide by the laws with respect to firearm Findings from the NFTMP are used to assist the
ownership, use and storage. Firearms Policy Working Group in developing
initiatives to reduce the incidence of firearms
theft and to present information on the status
of, and any observed changes in, firearm storage
About the National Firearms arrangements and compliance. The latter is to
be used to construct measures to both improve
Theft Monitoring Program storage compliance and develop a minimum
The National Firearms Theft Monitoring Program standard of firearm storage for application to
(NFTMP) was established at the AIC following all sectors of the firearm-owning community.
recommendation from the Firearms Policy Working
The NFTMP is funded by the Australian Government
Group to the then Australasian Police Ministers
under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, for a period
Council that there be longer-term monitoring of
of four years and starting 1 July 2006. This report
reported firearms thefts in Australia. The NFTMP
represents the fourth published in the four-year
Introduction 1
funded series (see Borzycki & Mouzos 2007 for In past reports, thefts of paintball markers were
thefts reported in 2004–05, Bricknell & Mouzos 2007 also discarded but are retained here because of
for thefts reported in 2005–06 and Bricknell 2008 for an increase in the number of thefts of this kind of
thefts reported in 2006–07) and builds on earlier firearm in 2007–08. Two additional cases reported
work prepared by the AIC on firearm theft the theft of both firearms and ‘non-firearms’ (as
(eg Borzycki & Mouzos 2007; Mouzos 2002; defined by the aforementioned criteria); these were
Mouzos & Sakurai 2006). retained in the dataset but the ‘non-firearms’ (two
replica pistols) were excluded from the analysis.
The original dataset comprised 739 cases of theft for Care must be taken when interpreting data
a total of 1,758 reported stolen firearms. One case presented in this report, specifically that relating to
was removed as it did not refer to a genuine incident the smaller jurisdictions of Tasmania, the Australian
of theft, that is, the firearm owner remembered Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. These
where he had left his firearm and subsequently jurisdictions experience only a small number of
reported its retrieval to the police. Another case firearms thefts each year and correspondingly,
referred to an incident in which the police believed small changes in numbers can produce apparently
the victim had contrived the theft (and even significant, but not necessarily real, differences
ownership of the firearm purported to have been between years. Where numbers are particularly
stolen) but with no evidence to prove otherwise, small, these will be removed from figures and
this case was retained in the dataset. tables and any accompanying text.
Another 30 cases were removed as they described The data presented in this report represents only
incidents of theft in which the firearms stolen were those incidents of theft reported to police. Not every
not categorised as firearms for the purposes victim of crime reports the incident to police and
of the report. These cases referred to the theft hence, not every incident of firearm theft that
of 43 firearms that were classified as either: occurred within the 2007–08 period is necessarily
captured in the dataset. Those owners who illegally
• replicas, imitations or toy guns, or starter pistols
own firearms, either because they are unlicensed
(and where the firearm owner was not found in
and/or their firearms were not registered at the time
breach of firearms legislation); or
of the theft, are least likely to report a theft because
• antique, deactivated or inoperable. of the risk of being ‘discovered’ and consequently
Introduction 3
Characteristics
of stolen firearms
Figure 1 Firearm thefts reported per month, July 2004 – July 2008 (n)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Jul 2004
Sep 2004
Nov 2004
Jan 2005
Mar 2005
May 2005
Jul 2005
Sep 2005
Nov 2005
Jan 2006
Mar 2006
May 2006
Jul 2006
Sep 2006
Nov 2006
Jan 2007
Mar 2007
May 2007
Jul 2007
Sep 2007
Nov 2007
Jan 2008
Mar 2008
May 2008
250
200
150
100
50
0
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT
bolt action rifles and 13 percent were lever action Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
A B C D H Other
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT
Note: Excludes 45 firearms about which insufficient information was available to ascertain category
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]; Table 38
Unknown 21 1 B 386 25 6 17
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
NSW Vic Qld SA Tas ACT NT
Note: Total number of thefts recorded for Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory are small compared to other jurisdictions and these
data should hence be treated with caution
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia); Table 39
5). Most thefts in New South Wales and Victoria of business premises were broken into by the use
were centred in major city and inner regional areas, of tools (26%), one-quarter by use of force (27%)
as were those in South Australia, although there and one-quarter because they were not locked at
was a greater concentration of firearm thefts in the time of the theft (27%). Vehicles from which
their major city (Adelaide 49%) compared with inner firearms were stolen were either unlocked (27%)
regional areas (30%). In contrast, firearm thefts in or broken into by use of force to the window,
Queensland predominated in outer regional areas door or boot (24%).
(34%) and inner regional areas (31%), with one-fifth
Force was the most common method of gaining
(22%) occurring in the major city area.
entry to premises or vehicles for incidents of general
Firearm thefts from private residential premises burglary (44%; Table 21), followed by the use of
tended to occur in inner regional areas, followed by tools (20%). For firearm-only thefts, over one-quarter
major cities (Figure 6), whereas the majority targeting of thefts (27%) were characterised by the premises
business premises took place in major cities (51%). or vehicle being unsecured at the time of the theft
As found in previous years, thefts from vehicles were and another one-quarter (26%) through the
relatively evenly spread between major cities and application of force. Once again, it was sheds
inner and outer regional areas. A higher proportion, or garages that tended to be left unsecured (51%
compared with other theft locations, was reported of all incidents in which the premises was recorded
as being stolen from remote (9% of all thefts from as unsecured).
vehicles) and very remote locations (6%).
Items stolen
How offenders gain access Firearms and ammunition
to premises and vehicles Just under half (48%) of firearm-theft incidents
As found for previous years, private residential resulted in the theft of a single firearm (Table 22).
premises from which firearms were stolen were Twenty-three percent of incidents involved the theft
primarily entered following an application of force of two firearms, 11 percent of three firearms and
to windows or doors (39%). Access was gained six percent of four firearms (Table 20). In Queensland,
in around one-fifth of thefts through the use of one incident netted 55 firearms in total. Firearm
tools (20%) or because the house or shed was not thefts from private residential premises generally
properly secured (19%; Figure 7). One-quarter (26%) resulted in the theft of more than one firearm (302)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
NSW Vic Qld SA
Note: Excludes Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory due to small numbers
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Private residential Business Vehicle In transit Other
premises premises
Note: Excludes 16 incidents in which postcode or location type was recorded as unknown or not applicable
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia)
or 57% of all thefts from this location; Figure 8) and calibre and amount of ammunition stolen but data
thefts from vehicles of a single firearm (50 or 76%). quality was too variable to accurately describe the
type of ammunition stolen, or if the ammunition
Ammunition was reported stolen in one-quarter of
stolen matched the firearms reported stolen.
firearm thefts (Table 23). Data is requested on the
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Private residential Business Vehicle
a: Includes using threat, using stolen key and for firearms stolen from vehicles, vehicle stolen
Note: Excludes 19 incidents in which method of entry was recorded as not applicable
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia); Table 40
250 232
200
150
100
50
50 35 35
16 9 11 8
4
0
Private residential Business Vehicle In transit Othera
premises premises
90 83
80
68
70
60 56 55
52
48
50 44 45
40 32
30
17
20
10
100
80
60
40
20
Note: Excludes 18 incidents in which the theft of other goods was recorded as unknown or not applicable
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT
Note: Excludes Australian Capital Territory due to absence of data from 2006–07. Total number of thefts recorded for Tasmania and NT are small compared
to other jurisdictions and these data should hence be treated with caution
Source: AIC NFTMP 2004–08 [computer file]
80
70
60
47
50
40 32
30
21
20
7 9
10 5 4 5 5
2 2
0 Locked receptacle Unlocked receptacle Locked vehicle Unlocked vehicle Unsecured/in the open
Note: Excludes three incidents where compliance status was recorded as not applicable
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
90 83
80
70
60 56
50 44
40
30
17
20
10
Note: Excludes 108 incidents where compliance status was recorded as unknown or not applicable
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
100
90
80
70 66 64
60
50
40 34 36
30
20
10
Note: Excludes 117 incidents where compliance status or type of theft was recorded as unknown or not applicable
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia)
these requirements. Where firearms had been stored to the safe was located or the offender was able
in firearm safes or otherwise secure receptacles, the to break the combination lock. In each of the
majority had to be breached either by the use of years since 2004–05, this method of access has
tools (32%) or the application of force (30%; Table accounted for at least 20 percent of all firearms theft,
30). One-fifth, however, were opened because a key suggesting that some firearm owners are still being
In any given year since 2004, around one-quarter Prosecution rates in 2007–08 were slightly higher
of firearm owners who reported the theft of a firearm than in 2006–07 (40%) but well below that recorded
were subsequently found to be in breach of firearms for 2005–06 (75%). In the five largest states, there
laws. In 2007–08, 168 firearms owners (24%) were was quite considerable variation as to whether
known to have breached at least one law or formal action was taken or not. For example, in New
regulatory requirement regarding firearm ownership, South Wales and South Australia, 78 and 88 percent
use, or storage (Table 31). Breaching was greatest respectively of firearm owners who were found in
in South Australia (34% in contrast with 2006–07 breach were eventually charged or disciplined for
where this state recorded the lowest level of a firearm-related offence; while only 23 percent in
breaching) and Western Australia (31%; Figure 15). Victoria were similarly dealt with (Figure 16). Without
additional narrative on the laws firearms owners
Table 31 Firearm owners found in breach were found in breach of, or why police chose not
of firearm laws to lay charges in individual cases, it is difficult to
n % interpret why these differences in prosecution rates
exist. However, if prosecution rates are compared for
In breach 168 24
the last four years, those in New South Wales and
Not in breach 488 69
South Australia (leaving 2004–05 aside) have been
Unknown 50 7 more or less stable, whereas in other jurisdictions,
Not applicable 2 <1 they have fluctuated quite considerably and
Total 708 100 especially so in Victoria and Western Australia
(Figure 17).
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
A total of 94 charges were laid (or pending) against
One-third of firearm owners (in all jurisdictions except owners of stolen firearms (in all jurisdictions except
Western Australia) who were found to be in breach Western Australia; Table 33). Twenty-one firearm
of firearm laws were not proceeded against (Table owners (25%) had multiple charges against them.
32) but unlike previous years, little information was Failing to secure firearms represented by far the
provided as to why charges were not laid. Of those most common charge (62% of all charges), followed
who were proceeded against, the majority had been by unlawful or unlicensed possession of a firearm
charged (46%) or had charges pending (11%). (13%) and failure to correctly store ammunition (11%).
Prosecution of non-compliance 25
Figure 15 Firearm owners found in breach of firearm laws, by jurisdiction (%)
NSW (n=37)
Vic (n=26)
Qld (n=25)
WA (n=44)
SA (n=24)
Tas (n=10)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Note: Excludes the Australian Capital Territory (n=1) and Northern Territory (n=1) due to small numbers
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
Table 32 Prosecution of firearm owners found in Table 33 Type of offences firearm owners
breach of firearm laws charged witha
n % n %
Charged 78 46 Unlawful or unlicensed possession of a firearm 12 13
Charges pending 19 11 Possession of an unregistered firearm 5 5
Disciplinary action 7 4 Failure to secure or correctly store firearms 58 62
Disciplinary action pending 3 2 Failure to secure or correctly store ammunition 10 11
No formal action 56 33 Breach of licence conditions 7 7
Unknown 5 3 Otherb 2 2
Total 168 100 Total charges 94 100
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] a: Excludes 40 incidents in which, though the firearm owner was prosecuted,
the nature of the offence was recorded as unknown
Forty-four firearms owners who had reported a b: Includes failure to register and apply for licence in resident state (1) and
allow unauthorised person to possess firearm (1). One firearm owner was
firearm theft in 2007–08 (6%) either did not have a also charged with drug offences but that charge is not included here
firearms licence of any sort, or one that was invalid Note: Multiple charges were laid against owners in 21 incidents. The total
for the firearms they reported stolen. Forty-two (6%) number of charges therefore exceeds the total number of firearm owners
reported the theft of at least one unregistered prosecuted (ie 83)
firearm. Fourteen owners (2%) held neither a valid Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file] (excludes Western Australia)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
NSW (n=37) Vic (n=26) Qld (n=25) WA (n=44) SA (n=24) Tas (n=10)
Note: Excludes the Australian Capital Territory (n=1) and Northern Territory (n=2) due to small numbers
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas NT
Note: Excludes Australian Capital Territory due to absence of data from 2006–07. Total number of thefts recorded for Tasmania and Northern Territory are small
compared to other jurisdictions and these data should hence be treated with caution
Source: AIC NFTMP 2007–08 [computer file]
Of the 208 firearms owners described in the Charges were eventually laid or disciplinary action
previous chapter as being in breach of firearm pursued for 64 percent (n=95) of these 149 owners,
storage requirements, 149 (71%) were also recorded up from the 48 percent (n=84) recorded in 2006–07.
as being in breach of firearms laws in general.
Prosecution of non-compliance 27
Other findings
Other findings 29
Conclusion
The compilation and analysis of four years of firearm most likely to reflect their greater ownership among
theft data has revealed that patterns in firearm theft the Australian firearm-owning community, rather
reported between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2008 than any deliberate targeting of such weapons.
have remained generally consistent. Where variation Furthermore, many firearms are stolen as part of
is likely to occur is in the number of firearms reported a general burglary, further suggesting that some of
stolen in each year, with an increase occurring in these firearms are happened upon by chance rather
2007–08 after a relatively stable period in the than the offender having prior knowledge of their
preceding years. The sharp increase in total firearms existence at the theft location.
reported stolen in 2007–08, however, is related to
Controlled firearms (or those with greater restrictions
the inclusion of a theft that netted 55 firearms and
on ownership and use such as category C, D and H)
hence may reflect an anomalous year rather than an
feature less commonly in theft statistics. This is
indication of an upward trend. Certainly, the method
almost certainly related to their relative rarity
by which firearm thefts were committed in 2007–08,
compared with category A and B firearms but it
and the kinds of precautions owners used (or did
may also be that owners, because of the nature of
not use) to secure their firearms, did not differ in any
these weapons, are more likely to follow legislative
noticeable way to suggest offenders were getting
provisions about their safeguarding. The illegal
better at stealing firearms, or owners were becoming
procurement of category C, D and H weapons is
more complacent about firearm storage. However,
more likely to yield greater financial benefit, however,
this and earlier analyses, particularly when describing
one of the unknowns in firearms research in Australia
state and territory differences, are based on small
is where in the illegal firearms market these, and less
numbers (particularly for jurisdictions such as
restricted firearms, are ending up. Up to 70 percent
Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and
of firearms reported stolen in a 12 month period
Northern Territory) and any interpretation of results
are not recovered. A few have been later identified
must consider issues inherent with small number
as having being used to commit violent offences,
analyses.
primarily armed robberies (but also two murders
The majority of firearm thefts reported in Australia and one attempted murder, and three to commit or
occur at private residential premises, from which less attempt suicide). The fate of the others is unclear;
restricted firearms, predominantly category A rifles, whether they are rotated through the criminal
are stolen. The predominance of these firearms is community and to what extent they may end up
Conclusion 31
References
www.aic.gov.au