Gun thefts give edge to police firearms safety warning

GUNS could be seized and hefty fines imposed if duck shooters don't play by the rules, police warn.
The duck-shooting season begins this weekend and police are emphasising the need for firearms safety for all gun users.
"Firearms have to be secured to a standard acceptable and they have to be approved by police," Wanganui acting Senior Sergeant Darcy Forrester said.
Officers check to make sure firearms are kept locked up, but many people fail to inform police when they change address.
Recent firearms thefts in Wanganui had exposed how easy it can be for thieves to obtain guns.
"If people secured their firearms, we wouldn't have thefts," Mr Forrester said.
Guns have to be kept in a locked container that is secured to the floor and wall. Bolts that can be removed must be stored separately, as must ammunition.
Mr Forrester said the safety aspect was the most important message police wanted to convey.
In the past officers have discovered guns lying around, propped up against walls and left loaded under the bed.
"Guns can be valuable, but they can also be lethal in the wrong hands," Mr Forrester said.
District arms officer Brian Walls told the Wanganui Chronicle, Fish and Game officers would be out in force in the Wanganui district this weekend, in consultation with local police.
Unlicensed shooters would be their main focus.
"In the past we've had people running away from officers, hiding from officers? even by jumping in the river and standing on their guns," Mr Walls said.
He had seen the "usual rush" from people renewing their firearms licence before duck-shooting began ? but some had left it too late.
"Some licenses had already expired? there are undoubtedly more that are unlicensed."
It can take up to six weeks for a licence to be processed and police advice applying at least eight weeks before it expires.
If officers find an unlicensed shooter, his or her gun could be seized.
Licence holders could take someone without a licence holder with them but they could only have one gun between them.
"Sometimes we come across a maimai with 10 people, 10 guns but only two licences," he said.
But drinking and shooting is another area Fish and Game officers and police will keep a close eye on.
The penalty for being intoxicated while handling a firearm is three months' jail, a $3000 fine or both.
Anyone convicted would also be banned from holding a firearms licence again.
Fish and Game Taranaki officer Allen Stancliff said three full-time staff and about 34 volunteers will be keeping an eye on things from Taranaki to Wanganui and as far away as Ohakune.
Mr Stancliff said many of the officers were duck shooters themselves and had given up opening weekend to "give something back to the sport".
Most people they encountered were friendly.
"There have been one or two incidents in the past, but they're in the minority now. Generally hunters are a pretty responsible bunch," he said.