As many families across the Western Plains leave town for the summer break, NSW Police are urging firearm owners to double-check their gun safes, warning that unsecured firearms remain a key target for rural crime.

The reminder follows an enforcement operation across the region in December that resulted in multiple firearms and ammunition being seized in Nyngan, Walgett and surrounding areas.

“Are you leaving the farm this holiday season? If so, please inspect your firearms before you go, make sure they are secure and take the firearm safe key with you these holidays,” said NSW Police Force’s Rural Crime Prevention Team (RCPT).

Police say ensuring firearms are properly stored, particularly when properties are unattended, is one of the most effective ways to prevent theft and misuse.

Firearm owners heading are reminded that:

• Firearms must be stored in a locked safe or receptacle that meets NSW Police requirements

• Different safe levels (including Level 1 and Level 2) apply depending on the firearm category

• Approved safes must be commercially manufactured from steel or hardwood, secured by anchor points such as bolting, and designed so they are not easily penetrable.

• Ammunition must be stored separately in a locked container.

• If a licence holder is absent for an extended period, all safe storage arrangements must continue to comply with their firearms licence conditions.

A public campaign by NSW Police focuses on the importance of correct gun and ammunition storage.

The warning comes after a joint rural crime operation was conducted between Friday 19 December and Sunday 21 December 2025, led by the RCPT and supported by Central North Police District and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

The operation targeted illegal hunting, trespassing and firearms offences to disrupt criminal activity with a focus on illegal hunting, trespassing, and firearms offences in Nyngan, Walgett, and surrounding areas.

Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside APM, State Rural Crime Coordinator, said a boots-on-the-ground approach remains critical in regional areas.

“The RCPT’s work, in conjunction with Central North Police District, continues to disrupt illegal hunting and trespass activity, while bolstering community confidence,” he said.

During the operation, police allege they stopped a vehicle on Gilgai Road at Miandetta shortly after midnight.

A roadside drug test allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine.

Following a search of the vehicle, police allegedly seized a rifle, 52 rounds of ammunition, several knives and other items.

Investigations are continuing.

In a separate incident, a 27-year-old man was served with a Firearms Licence Suspension, with several firearms seized from his possession.

Across the three-day operation, police also conducted 61 roadside breath tests, 12 roadside drug tests and issued 25 traffic infringement notices.

NSW Police say the enforcement activity highlights the importance of responsible firearm ownership, particularly during peak holiday periods when farms and rural properties may be left unattended.

“This is about maximising outcomes for our rural communities through a coordinated enforcement response, to ensure they can go about their lives safely,” Inspector Whiteside said.

Police have warned those engaging in illegal hunting or trespassing that enforcement activity will continue across the Western Plains.

More information on firearm safe storage requirements is available on the NSW Police website.