POLICE are investigating a brazen daylight firearm theft at a Strathdownie property, ahead of changes to firearms storage requirements.

It is understood the owners left the property briefly on Thursday, 20 January and when they returned home, disturbed the offenders, shortly after 12 noon.

Two male offenders fled the scene in a dark coloured Holden sedan with large stickers on the rear window.

Fortunately, the victims weren’t physically injured.

It is understood the firearms were secured in the required manner, prior to their theft.

Anyone with information or dashcam vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Changes to gun storage

THE Strathdownie theft precedes changes to storage rules for firearms, which come into effect in August, this year.

Senior Constable Graeme Cox from the Warrnambool Operational Safety Technique and Tactics Unit said many exisiting firearm owners would already have storage which met the updated standards.

“This particularly applies if they have a purpose built, commercially manufactured gun safe,” he said.

“All firearm owners should check their current storage against the new requirements.

“They should prepare to replace or upgrade their arrangements before 30 August 2022.”

Under the new laws, firearms must be stored in a purpose-built steel storage receptacle - the steel must be of a thickness of at least 1.6 millimetres, which complies with Australian/New Zealand Standard 1594:2002.

If the receptacle weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises.

The receptacle must be locked with a lock of sturdy construction when the firearm is stored in it and receptacles must be purpose-built for firearm storage.

The Warrnambool Divisional Firearms Officer at Warrnambool Police Station., can provide advice about individual circumstances.