The term of a licence is generally five years and it is the licensees’ responsibility to ensure they renew on time, police said.

If a renewal notification is not received before the expiration date, the Firearms Registry should be contacted.

Police also said that firearms should be disposed of legally before the licence expires if the owner chooses not to renew the licence.

“No one should be in possession of firearms unless they possess a current firearms licence and the firearms are registered,” Orana duty officer Matt Scott said. “Penalties of up to 14 years jail can apply for those who contravene these laws.

“It is not the responsibility of police to provide safe keeping for firearms while owners renew their licences - there are a number of firearms dealers who can assist in safe storage, renewals and disposals of firearms.”

Insp Scott said firearms that were seized or that were currently in police possession would be kept for 28 days from the time they were seized and would then be disposed of by court ordered destruction.

Police are encouraging owners to check the expiry dates of their firearms licences and contact the registry if the date of renewal is near. The Firearms Registry can be contacted on 1300 362 562.