Firearm owners have been urged to keep registered firearms out of the black market, with fears responsible owners could become victims of crime.
Swan Hill police licensing and regulation division Superintendent Paul Millett said tackling organised crime was an issue for the force.
“A proactive and collaborative approach to the issue with licence holders is needed to ensure firearms are not falling into the hands of criminals,” Supt Millett said.
Weapons and explosives offences have spiked in numbers over the past four years, from 54 in 2012 to 127 in 2016.
But crime prevention unit Leading Senior Constable Tania Peters said the vast majority of these offences related to possess prohibited weapons or dangerous articles.
Supt Millett said most licence holders were responsible and treated firearm ownership with the seriousness and gravity that is deserved.
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