GREAT Southern WA police are reminding firearm owners that correct storage of their firearms is their responsibility following a targeted police operation in the district.
Albany Police Sergeant Roger Creamer said a majority of firearm owners inspected as a part of the three-week operation had firearm safes that didn't meet legislative requirements.
"People have to remember that firearms licenses aren't a right in Australia and are a privilege that you acquire," Sergeant Creamer said.
"Part of that privilege is ensuring you are aware of your responsibilities, including storage requirements under the legislation.''
Sergeant Creamer said farmers or those living in rural areas could often be the target of theft and these same people were most commonly found to not have adequate firearms storage procedures.
Operation Celebrity involved random inspections of more than 400 firearm safes and resulted in three people being charged for not securing their firearms appropriately, 46 firearms were seized and 107 firearms were voluntarily handed in.
Specifications required safe construction, doors, hinges, locks and anchoring points to the floor and wall, and ammunition must be stored separately in a locked container.
Sergeant Creamer said police would conduct follow up inspections as many firearm owners who had inadequate safe storage facilities were given the opportunity to bring their storage into line with legislation.
Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia WA (SSAAWA) president Ron Bryant said the association has education programs to help members meet requirements.
"Firearms safety and storage is an on-going issue and deserves attention by any licensed owner," Mr Bryant said.
"While legislation may change over time, we must protect our own interests by making sure we are up to date with what is required of us.
"I encourage all firearm owners to bring themselves up to date, or get in contact with WA police or SSAAWA to seek advice."
A permanent amnesty is in place to allow people to hand in firearms at any time and information regarding correct storage techniques is available on the WA police website.