Firearms owner to be summonsed after thieves find keys to guns on top of safe

A victim of an aggravated robbery during which six firearms were stolen will be served with a summons after the thieves found the keys to the gun safe on top of the safe.

Tasmania Police said in June 2026 that six registered firearms were allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in the Southern Midlands after offenders located the keys.

Although police later recovered three of the firearms and charged two offenders, three firearms remain outstanding.

Firearms Services Sergeant Steve Bugg said the incident served as an "important reminder that secure firearm storage was not just about having a compliant safe".

"The security of the keys is equally important," he said.

"Storing keys near or on a safe can effectively negate the protection the safe is designed to provide."

Firearms Services encourages licence holders to:

• Store safe keys in a secure location well away from the safe
• Never leave keys on top of, inside, or near a firearm safe
• Lock safes immediately after accessing firearms
• Ensure homes, sheds and outbuildings containing firearms are locked when unattended
• Regularly review storage arrangements and address potential security weaknesses
• Consider additional security measures such as alarms and cameras (which are mandatory for people who own any handgun, or more than 10 firearms of any type)

"Every stolen firearm has the potential to be used in further criminal activity," Sergeant Bugg said.

"By taking a few simple precautions, firearm owners can play an important role in preventing theft, protecting the community and ensuring firearms do not fall into the wrong hands."

Police said people seeking advice regarding firearm storage requirements can access relevant information sheets or contact Firearms Services or their local police station.

Anyone with information relating to stolen firearms is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.