Seven people will be charged on summons following a three-night police operation to detect deer hunters illegally spotlighting in the Mansfield and Jamieson areas last weekend.
Mansfield and Jamieson uniform officers, supported by staff from Game Management Authority (GMA) and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), led overnight patrols in a number of illegal spotlighting hotspots between Thursday 11 November and Saturday 13 November.
During the operation officers apprehended seven people who they allege were committing numerous offences against the Firearms Act, including: prohibited person possess firearm; possess loaded firearm in public place; fail to store Category A or B longarm correctly; store firearm or ammunition in an insecure manner; possession of spotlight and firearm in recognised deer habitat.
A number of other charges are likely to be laid in relation to offences against various Wildlife Game Regulations.
Police seized six firearms, seven spotlights and ammunition during the operation.
Six of the seven alleged offenders have had their firearms licences suspended while the seventh person was unlicenced. The following people are expected to be charged on summons:
• A 48-year-old man from Noble Park
• A 27-year-old man from Mooroolbark
• A 33-year-old man from Mooroolbark
• A 58-year-old man from Mooroolbark
• A 54-year-old man from Guildford (NSW)
• A 68-year-old man from Hadfield
• A 51-year-old man from Dallas
Anyone with information about illegal spotlighting is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Quotes attributed to Mansfield Acting Senior Sergeant Geoff Hutchison:
“Local police along with specialist units and our partner agencies braved the rain and horrible weather conditions last weekend, however it was undoubtedly worth spending three nights in the challenging high country conditions to apprehend seven hunters allegedly committing a multitude of offences.
“Illegal spotlighting is not only against the law, it is dangerous, unethical and reduces recreational hunting opportunities for law-abiding hunters.
“We will continue to collaborate with our partner agencies, share intelligence, and act on reports from the local community to crack down on illegal hunting practices, and protect the community.
“Hunters should be reminded that illegal hunting activity is likely to result in immediate suspension of firearms licences, seizure of firearms, and the facing of charges.”
