An illegal gun is a dangerous gun.
Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have joined forces in the, ‘Say Something Before It’s Too Late,’ campaign aimed at removing illegal firearms from the Victorian community.
Community safety is the main priority, so if you know or suspect someone is in possession of an illegal firearm, please report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria, before it’s too late.
They’ll never know it was you, Crime Stoppers Victoria will keep your information anonymous.
Key statistics
Crime Statistics Agency data has revealed that there were 5,126 firearms-related incidents in Victoria in 2023.
Crime Stoppers Victoria generated 1857 firearm reports for further investigation in 2023.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission estimates there are more than 200,000 illegal guns in Australia.
Illegal Firearms
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission conservatively estimates that there are more than 200,000 illegal guns in circulation across the country (190,000 long-arms and 10,000 handguns).
An illegal gun includes a firearm, or firearm part(s), which:
- Is not registered to the current owner.
- Does not have a serial number or has a defaced (removed) serial number.
OR
- Is possessed by a person who does not have a licence for that firearm.
The demand for and supply of illegal firearms in Victoria is driven by a range of entities, from organised crime groups to low-level individual criminals, who continue to seek, procure and use firearms to protect their interests and commit violent acts.
Diversion Methods: How Firearms Enter The Illicit Market (Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission)
Share what you know with Crime Stoppers
24/7 online.
Details you can include in your report: time, place, age, weight, height, hair colour, clothing, vehicle description.
Lets keep our community safe and report what you know.
You are in control of how much information you share, and you can choose to be anonymous.
Frequently asked questions
No. Legal ownership of certain firearms in specific circumstances (such as sports shooting and hunting) is recognised in Australia.
The campaign reminds people with registered firearms to ensure that they comply with the relevant legislation in their jurisdiction and to safely secure their firearm.
If you have any information about an illegal guns, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
You don’t have to say who you are, get involved or compromise your own safety.
Firearms enable organised crime groups to be more lethal in their activities.
It only takes one firearm in the hands of a person with malicious intent to be of great concern to yourself, your family, or the community. Illicit firearms put us all at risk.
Crime Stoppers needs your help for ongoing, and sustained effort to reduce the number of, and access to, illegal guns in the community. Say something before it is too late.
No – you may have heard something or have a suspicion only. Don’t second guess yourself, contact Crime Stoppers and let us evaluate it – because if the information is of concern to you then it’s important to us.
When you contact Crime Stoppers you don’t have to provide concrete evidence of a crime involving a firearm. You may have overheard something, or something just doesn’t feel quite right – so reach out and share what you know.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission data estimates that there is a significant number of illicit firearms remain in the community.
These exist in two distinct markets:
- Black market firearms are used for criminal purposes and find their way to the black market via illicit importation, illicit manufacture, and theft from registered and unregistered guns.
- The grey market is a subset of the black market. Grey market firearms are those that should have been handed in or registered following major firearm reforms in 1996. The possession of a firearm that was not surrendered in 1996 or registered is illegal.
Black market firearms are used for criminal purposes and find their way to the black market via illicit importation, illicit manufacture, and theft from registered and unregistered firearms.
The grey market is a subset of the black market. Grey market firearms are those that should have been handed in or registered following major firearm reforms in 1996. The possession of a firearm that was not surrendered in 1996 or registered since then is illegal.
In Victoria, there are 946,367 firearms registered and 232,140 firearm licence holders as of June 30, 2023.
Yes. If you know of any other type of unwanted or illegal weapon, you should contact police to tell Crime Stoppers.
Any person who is found to be in possession of an unregistered firearm/parts/ammunition without an appropriate licence will be subject to charges to be determined by police.
