BOMB response unit officers have been called to a bomb-scare at a Kerang property after police conducting a search discovered a package they believed could contain “highly volatile explosives”.
Local police said information from the public regarding improper firearm storage led them to search the property, where they discovered more than 70 firearms, some of which were unregistered.
Swan Hill Police acting inspector Brian Hansen said during the initial search the discovery of a package forced police to call in the bomb response unit from Melbourne.
“During the search initially, members came across an item that appeared to be an explosive,” he said.
“It was packaged exactly like an explosive would have looked so our protocols demanded that we contacted the bomb response unit,” Inspector Hansen said.
“(They) were given photos of the item and decided that it appeared serious enough to attend and assist.
“On further inspection and examination they found it was an imitation, which was good.
“If it was real, the packaging claimed that it was a highly volatile explosive that could put everybody in that neighbourhood in danger.”
In addition to the imitation explosives, police discovered a total of 68 category A and B firearms, with a further seven firearms that were unregistered, including two handguns.
Inspector Hansen said there were strict provisions around the ownership of handguns which courts took the very seriously.
“Some people like guns and that’s fine as long as you have the right licence and storage provisions,” he said.
“The law is such that if any person is found to be in possession of a handgun who doesn’t have the right licence provisions, that goes to the higher courts.
“Things like this go straight past the Magistrates’ Court to the County Court.”
Inspector Hansen said many of the weapons were improperly stored and “were in plain sight to anybody who would enter the house”.
“Unfortunately, there was very little storage to house these items,” he said.
“Even if someone were to look through a window, they would have been able to see them.
“We do have some people who tend to take advantage of those times when people are away from their premises and target the firearms.
“Once these firearms get into circulation and fall into the wrong hands, then it becomes a massive problem for everybody.”
In this case local police acted on information they had received earlier in the week.
Inspector Hansen said police would search homes if they were tipped off that gun owners weren’t following legislation.
“It’s very easy for us to put together an inspection report,” he said.
“Police are entitled under the Firearms Act to attend any premises at any time and demand an inspection of the storage facilities for firearms.
“There’s quite a large number of firearms recorded and registered within country areas and rural locations, which is absolutely fine.
“There are a lot of people out there who do the right thing and follow the rules.”
